The development of novel immunotherapies relies on the identification of suitable tumor antigens. The research project of Dr. Melissa Bernhardt aims to identify recurrent tumor-specific MHC class I peptides whose presentation is associated with aberrant tumorigenic processes. Particular emphasis is placed on cryptic MHC class I peptides derived from non-protein-coding genomic regions, which constitute largely unexplored target structures with considerable potential for tumor immunotherapy. To identify, characterize, and immunologically validate these peptides as candidate targets, the project primarily employs qualitative and quantitative mass spectrometry–based immunopeptidomic analyses in combination with immunogenicity assays.

More about the group can be found here.