The concept of this research programme is to understand fundamental processes in tumor biology in order to develop novel molecularly defined and rationally applied cancer treatments. Participating researchers from biology, experimental and clinical medicine study tumors as “biological systems" and so called “neo-organs”. A large variety of approaches, experimental systems and methodologies are in place to analyse many aspects of tumor development, growth, progression and tumor cell migration. Read more...

The immune system responds to various pathogens including viruses and bacteria in different ways to prevent severe disease and persistence in the host. Many pathogens, however, have developed mechanisms to evade immune defence. The molecular and cellular interactions of pathogens with the immune system are studied within this programme. Read more...

The completion of the human genome project and subsequent advances in scientific understanding and the development of novel research tools in the last decade has given new insights into the nature of many disease pathways on the molecular level. The understanding of the origin, the character and the progression of diseases is important to develop novel strategies for their treatment and the development of novel therapies and drugs. Read more...

Most diseases can be pinned down to specific biochemical processes, their understanding and modulation requiring expertise in biochemistry, biophysics, and chemical syntheses. This specific research programme therefore combines these disciplines to elucidate molecular structures and interactions at atomic resolution, and to develop molecules that specifically interact with biological factors for their use as research tools or as leads for future medical drugs. Read more...