Research
The focus of the research performed at the department involves various aspects of Immuno-oncology, Biomarkers and Sensitisation.
These research areas represent an exceedingly developing field of biomedicine, which holds great promises for future possibilities for important areas of disease, such as cancer and allergy.
The research focus is supported by a framework of vital, in-house technology platforms and bioinformatics competence. Our research is also supported by the unique availability of high-quality samples present in Swedish national biobanks, and the well-established collaboration with clinicians, allowing efficient movement of basic research discoveries into clinical applications.
Focus areas
Immuno-oncology
Our research is focused on cancer immunology, tumour–immune interactions, and the development of next-generation immunotherapies and biomarker-driven precision medicine. The work combines advanced single-cell, spatial, proteomic, and bioinformatic technologies to characterise immune cell populations in the tumour microenvironment, identify clinically relevant biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and improve diagnostics and treatment strategies in cancer.
Biomarkers
At the Department of Immunotechnology we focus on using molecular biomarkers for early and predictive diagnosis of cancer and other diseases, as well as identification of novel antigens for design of therapeutic modalities. We sample tissue or liquid biopsies for detection and quantification of potential biomarkers.
We conduct projects where we develop novel methods for biomarker discovery, as well as more applied projects with the aim to discover new biomarkers for diagnostics and prognosis of disease. We also work with biomarkers in agricultural applications and for prediction of sensitisation potency.
Sensitisation
The Department of Immunotechnology focuses it attention to the role of dendritic cells and its regulation of cells of adaptive immunity in particular in allergic conditions, as well as to the nature and role of specific antibodies that induce or has the potential to resolve allergic disease.
Dendritic cells are also key regulatory players in the development of sensitisation to chemicals resulting in allergic contact dermatitis. In fact, activity of dendritic cells have been identified as one of four key events that shape such a reaction.
Our focus is on development of diagnostic test that assess chemicals' ability to activate dendritic cells, thereby predicting their ability to act as sensitisers. Such tests hold great potential to replace animal models of chemical sensitisation.
Immunotechnology in Lund University's Research Portal
More on the department's research output, projects and infrastructure.