Translational Cellular Therapies

The Uslu Laboratory (AG Uslu)

At the Uslu Laboratory, we are driven by one vision: to unleash the full potential of engineered cells and transform the future of cancer treatment. Our mission is to translate groundbreaking discoveries in cellular engineering into therapies that can truly change patients’ lives. 

We are building a dynamic, international, and collaborative team at the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg. Together, we push the boundaries of science to make cellular immunotherapy work where it is needed most: solid tumors with a focus on melanoma.

CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) and TCR (T Cell Receptor) T cell therapies represent one of the most exciting breakthroughs in modern medicine. In this approach, a patient’s own T cells are collected, genetically engineered to express a CAR/TCR, expanded, and reinfused to seek and destroy tumor cells (Fig. 1). 

These therapies have already revolutionized the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas and have shown first successes in severe autoimmune diseases - and now the race is on to bring this success to solid tumors.

Challenges in Solid Tumors

Despite approval in hematological malignancies, solid tumors remain a challenge. Why?

• Engineered T cells struggle to expand, reach and infiltrate dense tumor tissue.
• The solid tumor microenvironment suppresses T cell function, leading to engineered cell exhaustion.
• Tumors can escape immune recognition through heterogeneity and antigen loss.

These barriers explain why the next great leap in immunotherapy will come from scientists who can overcome these hurdles.