Prof. Dr. Christian Stockmann

Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich

Institute of Anatomy
Zurich Kidney Center
SKINTEGRITY.CH
Comprehensive Cancer Research Center
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The research focus of the Stockmann group is in the field of regenerative immunology. We investigate how low oxygen levels, naturally occurring in certain organs or upon tissue damage, shape the phenotype and function of innate immune cells in the context of organ homeostasis, tissue regeneration/fibrosis and tumor growth. The aim of this research is to develop future immunotherapies that support tissue regeneration and counteract the development of organ fibrosis or tumor progression. Based on fibroblast-specific transcripts and computer-aided in silico modeling of immunogenic epitopes, we established a novel vaccination approach that elicits a cytotoxic T cell response specifically against fibrogenic fibroblasts.
This drives two specific orientations for future research projects:

1. The role of hypoxic signaling in innate immune cells during tissue homeostasis, regeneration and tumor progression, with a focus on:
   • Systematic analysis and alignment of innate immune cells to understand their role in hypoxic and inflamed tissues.
   • Interactions between innate immune cells and stromal cells, particularly vascular cells.
   • The relationship between innate immune cell metabolism under hypoxia, immune cell plasticity and function.
2.  Vaccine-based immunotherapy for organ fibrosis.
   • Identification of new fibroblast-specific immunotherapeutic targets in organ fibrosis and desmoplastic tumors.
   • Testing of immunotherapeutic target candidates in preclinical models of organ fibrosis and desmoplastic tumors.
   • Validation of immunotherapeutic targets in canine, feline and human fibrotic tissues as well as humanized mouse models of fibrosis.