Key areas of research

One key emphasis here is on translational, immunologically oriented research. This means that therapeutic options should be developed for immediate transfer to day-to-day clinical practice. A second key area of research is formed by therapy options relating to the immune system and immunoregulation. Investigations here focus on the interrelated cellular and molecular processes, as well as the central role of the immune system in certain types of disease. As a focal point of research, immunotherapy is considered across all of the important subfields of modern immunological research, including, but not limited to, the transplantation of donor organs and implants, inadequate, misdirected or excessive immune responses and immune insufficiencies, malignant diseases of the blood and other organs, and infectious diseases.

Main points of focus here encompass basic research as well as disease-oriented and patient-oriented cancer research. Alongside investigations of tumour formation, the identification of prognosis factors and tumour markers, research also addresses the development of new treatment strategies. This is augmented by application-oriented activities with both a clinical and experimental focus. The basis for this work is provided by the methods established within the Faculty in the fields of genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, lipidomics and metabolomics.

A third specialism, which is characterised by a strong focus on clinical practice and clinical research, is the field of transplantation medicine. UKR performs both organ transplants (kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas) and bone marrow transplants. Over the last few years, the Transplant Centre in Regensburg has developed into one of the leading centres in Bavaria and is also of national significance within Germany. Our targeted research here aims to achieve continuous advances in the field of transplantation medicine, thereby improving both the quality of life and overall survival for affected patients.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in our society and is likely to remain so for many years to come. This new focus of the faculty aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in the long term. For this reason, the various pathomechanisms are being studied intensively using various basic scientific approaches, mostly on an interdisciplinary and cross-faculty basis. These include the latest cardiomyocyte imaging methods, electrophysiological techniques, CRISPR-Cas gene editing as a whole, with a particular focus on myocardial function and energetics. In addition, translational approaches through to clinical trials in cardiovascular disease are being used to drive innovation in this area.