The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved the third funding period for Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1292. This research network, led by University Medical Center Mainz, will receive around 13.9 million Euro until the end of 2029 to advance new approaches in immunotherapy against cancer and chronic infections.

CRC 1292 investigates how tumors and persistent infections evade the immune system—so-called immune evasion mechanisms. The goal is to decode these strategies and develop tailored therapies that specifically reactivate immune responses. The research combines basic science with clinical application, accelerating the translation of new findings into patient care.

Since its establishment in 2018, CRC 1292 has made significant progress, for example in understanding the role of tumor metabolism, tissue acidification, and the microbiome in immune defense. In the new funding period, these insights will be deepened and transformed into precision medicine approaches.

“The extension is a recognition of the excellent work of our scientists and confirms our strategic focus on immunotherapy,” emphasizes Univ.-Prof. Dr. Philipp Drees, Scientific Director of University Medical Center Mainz.

With its translational approach and close integration of basic and clinical research, the Mainz site is internationally recognized as a leader in developing innovative immunotherapies.

In collaboration with Ugur Sahin, Co-Director of our Immunotherapy Department FulviaVascotto will use the effects of nutrient intervention, including metabolic conditioning of T cells as a promising strategy to enhance cancer treatments in combination with immunotherapies while overcoming the immune suppressive tumor environment with neoepitope specific neoTCR T cells.

Learn more about the CRC and its subprojects here: Teilprojekte | Sonderforschungsbereich 1292