Current projects related to MMR deficient cancers (MSI-H)

Microsatellite-unstable (MSI-H) cancers are caused by loss of the DNA mismatch repair function. This mechanism is responsible for a significant number of human cancers.  Approximately 15% of colorectal cancers are trigged by the loss of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) functions. The most frequent inherited tumor syndrome, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or Lynch syndrome, is associated with a high lifetime risk of developing MSI-H cancers in the colorectum and other organs.

Our research on MSI-H cancers is focused on the development of new approaches for prevention and therapy. Central part of our activities is to understand the immune biology of MSI-H cancers and to establish a vaccine, which could be used for adjuvant therapy of MSI-H cancers and for cancer prevention in Lynch syndrome.

Details of our research on MSI-H cancers are outlined for four of our main research directions MSI pathogenesis, MSI vaccines, MSI diagnostics, and MSI glycobiology.