Cellular Immunology and Immunohematology
In close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Hildegard Greinix from the Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, 1st Medical Department, Medical University of Vienna, we investigate immune reconstitution after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in adult patient collectives with a special emphasis on the characterization of changes in the B cellular compartment of the adaptive immune system.
These investigations include determination of the relative and absolute levels of B lymphocyte subpopulations, the levels of B cell growth and activation factors, overall and specific (auto)antibody levels as well as functional capabilities of immune cells.
The methods applied rely on multiparameter flow cytometry, solid phase ELISA, multiplex technology and lymphocyte activation and function tests. A further focus represents the definition of novel biomarkers able to predict overall chronic graft-versus-host-disease activity (cGVHD) as well as organ-specific pathology. Related projects are being pursued with Prof. Anita Lawitschka from the St. Anna Children’s Hospital by investigating pediatric patient collectives.