Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI contributed to the development of two exhibits that illustrate how CAR-T cell therapy works. In this therapy, the body’s own immune cells are modified so that they can recognize and specifically target cancer cells. This cell and gene therapy is already being used to treat various forms of blood cancer and lymphomas. Furthermore, the therapy holds great medical potential for treating other types of cancer as well as severe autoimmune diseases and infections.

Fraunhofer IZI supports academic and industrial partners in the development and translation of new CAR-T cell therapies and technologies for their production. At the Leipzig and Würzburg sites, new therapies are tested for efficacy and safety, automated production processes are optimized, and investigational products are manufactured for clinical trials.

Exhibit “Fighting Cancer with Superpowers”

On a large touch table, up to four visitors can simultaneously assemble their own CAR-T cells in a mini-game. With the right receptor, the CAR, the immune cells gain a “superpower” to specifically destroy cancer cells.

Development: University Hospital Würzburg, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Fraunhofer IZI & other partners. More info

Exhibit “Your 4D Health Journey”

In the form of an interactive “magic” mirror, visitors are addressed from the perspective of their own bodies and introduced to the research worlds of Fraunhofer Health. The focus is on the interrelated key areas of drugs, diagnostics, devices, and data.

Development: Fraunhofer Health Group