Regensburg researchers win Price for groundbreaking stem cell study

Regensburg researchers win Price for groundbreaking stem cell study

Universität Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Deutschland - dr. med. Elisabeth Meedt and Dr. med. Erik Thiele Orberg from the University of Regensburg and the University Hospital of Regensburg were awarded the Research Award of the German Working Group for Hematopoetic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (DAG-HSZT). The price is endowed with 5,000 euros and was awarded at the DAG HSZT annual conference 2025. The two researchers receive the award for their pioneering study on the role of microbial metabolic products in the allogeneous stem cell transplantation (Allo-Szt) in 2024 in the journal Nature Cancer . In their study, the researchers identified five microbial metabolites, the increased concentration of which correlated with better treatment success of Allo-Szt. The results show that a higher concentration of these metabolites is associated with a lower frequency of the Graft Versus host disease (GVHD), a lower risk of cancer recurrences and an increased overall survival rate. These findings are of great importance for both clinical practice and future research.

innovative approaches in GVHD research

The development of a so-called IMM-RISIKIDEX (IMM-Ri) could also serve as a predictive biomarker for the success of therapy. This index is validated in the Magic Germany consortium. Previous studies have already shown that certain bacteriophage genes influence the production of the protective metabolites. Preclinical studies are currently being carried out to check the therapeutic use of the identified metabolite.

The knowledge from this research could not only be important for risk assessment for stem cell transplants, but also offer new approaches for microbiome-based precision therapy. Prof. Dr. Daniela Weber from the University Hospital Regensburg is devoted to another study of acute Graft Versus host disease, which is a serious complication of the Allo-Szt. This disease is potentially life -threatening and is favored by a loss of bacterial diversity in the intestine.

Connection of microbioma and survival rates

Professor Weber emphasizes the importance of the early detection of changes in the bacterial composition for the identification of risk patients that could suffer from GVHD. The aim of their multicenter validation is to examine the predictive importance of certain bacterial metabolic products that correlate significantly with the survival of the Allo-Szt.

These promising research approaches underline the advanced connection between microbiom research and clinical application and offer new perspectives for the treatment of patients who undergo a stem cell transplant. The cooperation between various working groups at the University Hospital Regensburg and other institutions is growing more and more and promotes interdisciplinary exchange.

For further information on research and development in this area, reference is made to the original publication: "Bacteria and Bacteriophage Consortia are Associated with Protective Intestinal Metabolites in Patients Receiving Stem Cell Transplantation", available at doi: 10.1038/S43018-023-00669-X