Director of the ICICT
Latest News from our Institute
OPTI-CART: AI-assisted platform for the systematic analysis and optimization of CAR T cells
13.08.2026 -
OPTI-CART combines experimental analyses of CAR T-cell signaling and molecular interaction networks with AI-assisted computational approaches. The aim is to identify key features associated with high-performing CAR T cells and to derive strategies to further improve their functionality.
Master's thesis forms the basis for a publication in the renowned European Journal of Immunology
17.06.2026 -
The Simeoni group Institute of Clinical Immunology and Cell Therapeutics (Director: Prof. Dr. S. Fricke) has published a technical report in European Journal of Immunology comparing CD3/CD28 and PMA/ionomycin stimulation in primary human T cells. The study shows that these activation models are not interchangeable, as PMA/ionomycin induces strong IL-2 production and CD25 expression but only weak IL-2R/STAT5 activation. The work provides important methodological guidance for T-cell activation studies and while simultaneously highlighting the successful transition from a master's thesis to a publication in a renowned immunology journal.
Poster Prize for Leon-Alexander Dewitz at the EMBO Workshop “Pathogen Immunity and Signalling”
12.06.2026 -
Leon-Alexander Dewitz, PhD student at the Institute of Clinical Immunology and Cell Therapeutics (Director: Prof. Dr. Stephan Fricke), received the Science Journal Poster Prize at the international EMBO Workshop “Pathogen Immunity and Signalling” (08.–12.06.2026, Leiden). His research investigates the role of pyroptosis during Leishmania major infection using genetically encoded biosensors.
Students visit for 15th Boys‘ Day
23.04.2026 -
As part of the 15th Boys' Day, students gained an exciting insight into the laboratory work and research at the Institute for Clinical Immunology and Cell Therapeutics (IKIZ).