About Us

The Immunotherapy laboratory at UFCSPA was created in 2018 by a group with over 20 years of research experience at PUCRS. Our laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy.

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Immunotherapy is a type of treatment used for different conditions - cancer, viral infections, autoimmunity, transplant rejection, and others. It modulates the individual’s own immune system to restore balance and health. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of several diseases, but not all individuals respond with the same success.

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To study this problem, we ask which molecules mediate interactions between cells and whether it is possible to isolate and use certain molecular pathways to increase immunotherapy success in non-responders. We use an integrated approach, studying how cells communicate in blood and tissues, focusing especially on human samples. To achieve this, we have established partnerships with several health professionals and hospitals, as well as professionals specialized in artificial intelligence, in order to solve clinical problems in a multidisciplinary way.

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The laboratory employs various methodologies such as tissue culture, molecular cloning, recombinant protein production, multiparameter flow cytometry, cell sorting, next-generation genetic sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, ELISA, western blotting, confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, spatial transcriptomics, and systems biology.

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We aim to use the knowledge gained from our studies to develop new tools for immunotherapy and molecular diagnosis. We encourage and welcome entrepreneurship initiatives in biotechnology. Furthermore, we are committed to providing national alternatives for Brazil's unified health system - SUS.