Research Group Pål Johansen, Prof. PhD & Thomas Kündig, Prof Dr. med
The Experimental Immunotherapy group pioneers cutting-edge immunotherapy innovations for allergies, infections, and cancer, with breakthroughs like intralymphatic immunotherapy and advanced pre-clinical models driving safer, more effective treatments."
Research Focus
Our research group is dedicated to advancing the field of immunotherapy, with a particular emphasis on allergies, but also infections and cancer. Driven by real clinical needs, our work aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and patient care. To address critical clinical and scientific questions, we employ a combination of experimental research methods both in vitro and in vivo, as well as conducting clinical studies in humans.
Allergy Immunotherapy
In the field of allergy, our primary goal is to enhance the efficacy and safety of allergen immunotherapy (AIT). We are pioneers in the development and refinement of novel methods and technologies for AIT. A notable achievement from our group was the first demonstration that administering allergens directly into lymph nodes—known as intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT)—could reduce the duration of immunotherapy from the traditional three years and 20-50 injections to just three injections over two months. Our research also focuses on the development of new adjuvants and particulate delivery systems for AIT, which have the potential to improve treatment outcomes. We were also the first to explore the use of peanut allergen-specific monoclonal antibodies in immunotherapy, aiming to offer new therapeutic options for allergy patients. Alongside these innovations, we are deeply engaged in studying the basic immunological mechanisms that underlie successful AIT, providing valuable insights into how these therapies work at a cellular and molecular level.
Methodological Approach
To ensure the robustness and relevance of our findings, we continuously develop and refine methods for pre-clinical testing of AIT. This includes the use of advanced in vitro systems and in vivo models, such as mouse models of allergy, which allow us to simulate and study the effects of AIT in a controlled environment before advancing to human clinical trials.
Ongoing Projects and Future Directions (not exclusively)
- Intralymphatic Immunotherapy: We are expanding the application of intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) to target not only plant pollen but also animal dander allergens, aiming to further reduce treatment duration and enhance patient outcomes.
- Pre-Clinical Models: We are developing advanced animal models to evaluate immunotherapies for venom and food allergies, providing critical insights into their safety and efficacy before clinical application.
- Cancer Therapy: We are exploring innovative approaches by combining photodynamic therapy with antigen delivery and immunoregulatory compounds to create more effective cancer treatments.
- Animal Welfare: We are committed to refining our animal models to improve welfare standards, actively advancing the 3R principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in our research.
