AG Beilhack

Andreas Beilhack: Experimental Stem Cell Transplantation

Summary

Our group investigates how the immune system distinguishes between friend and foe. We focus on dynamic cellular and molecular immune interactions in the pathophysiology of cancer, inflammation and infections. In preclinical models we explore anti-tumor mechanisms (DFG FOR1586, SPP 2084), graft-versus-host disease (DFG TRR221, José Carreras-Stiftung) and graft-versus-infection mechanisms (DFG TRR 124) exerted by allogeneic immune cell subpopulations. To gain better insights into these complex immune processes we employ state-of-the-art imaging techniques and advanced tissue models (DFG TRR225, RTG2157) with the ultimate goal to translate our findings into improved diagnostics and therapies. Based on our research findings in multiple myeloma and solid tumors we are currently advancing a new cancer immunotherapy approach to the clinics. This pioneering work has triggered the creation of two university biotech spin-offs and has been recognized by the Ministry of Commerce from the State of Bavaria. Prof. Beilhack together with Prof. Harald Wajant have received the m4-Award to advance new concepts for cancer treatment to improve patient therapy.

Recent Publications

Dahlhoff J, Manz H, Steinfatt T, Delgado-Tascon J, Seebacher E, Schneider T, Wilnit A, Mokhtari Z, Tabares P, Böckle D, Rasche L, Martin Kortüm K, Lutz MB, Einsele H, Brandl A, Beilhack A. (2021). Transient regulatory T cell targeting triggers immune control of multiple myeloma and prevents disease progression. Leukemia, in press (doi: 10.1038/s41375-021-01422-y)

Solimando AG, Da Vià MC, Leone P, Borrelli P, Croci GA, Tabares P, Brandl A, Di Lernia G, Bianchi FP, Tafuri S, Steinbrunn T, Balduini A, Melaccio A, De Summa S, Argentiero A, Rauert-Wunderlich H, Frassanito MA, Ditonno P, Henke E, Klapper W, Ria R, Terragna C, Rasche L, Rosenwald A, Kortüm KM, Cavo M, Ribatti D, Racanelli V, Einsele H, Vacca A, Beilhack A. (2021). Halting the vicious cycle within the multiple myeloma ecosystem: blocking JAM-A on bone marrow endothelial cells restores the angiogenic homeostasis and suppresses tumor progression. Haematologica 106(7):1943-1956.

Xiao Y, Qureischi M, Dietz L, Vaeth M, Vallabhapurapu S, Klein-Hessling S, Klein M, Liang C, Koenig A, Serfling E, Mottok A, Bopp T, Rosenwald A, Buttmann M, Berberich I, Beilhack A, Berberich-Siebelt F. (2021). Lack of NFATc1 SUMOylation prevents autoimmunity and alloreactivity. J Exp Med 218 (1): e20181853.

Brenner E, Schörg BF, Ahmetlić F, Wieder T, Hilke FJ, Simon N, Schroeder C, Demidov G, Riedel T, Fehrenbacher B, Schaller M, Forschner A, Eigentler T, Niessner H, Sinnberg T, Böhm KS, Hömberg N, Braumüller H, Dauch D, Zwirner S, Zender L, Sonanini D, Geishauser A, Bauer J, Eichner M, Jarick KJ, Beilhack A, Biskup S, Döcker D, Schadendorf D, Quintanilla-Martinez L, Pichler BJ, Kneilling M, Mocikat R, Röcken M. (2020). Cancer immune control needs senescence induction by interferon-dependent cell cycle regulator pathways in tumours. Nature Communications 11(1):1335.

Chopra M, Biehl M, Steinfatt T, Brandl A, Kums J, Amich J, Vaeth M, Kuen J, Holtappels R, Podlech J, Mottok A, Kraus S, Jordán Garrote AL, Bäuerlein CA, Brede C, Ribecchini E, Fick A, Seher A, Polz J, Ottmüller K, Baker J, Nishikii H, Ritz M, Mattenheimer K, Schwinn S, Winter T, Schäfer V, Krappmann S, Einsele H, Mueller TD, Reddehase MJ, Lutz MB, Männel DN, Berberich-Siebelt F, Wajant H, Beilhack A. (2016). Exogenous TNFR2 activation protects from acute GvHD by induction of host Treg expansion. J Exp Med 213:1881–1900.