The Laboratory of Tumour Molecular Immunobiology conducts basic and translational research at the intersection of molecular oncology, cancer immunology, cell biology, virology, and immunological diagnostics. The Laboratory aims to understand the mechanisms of oncogenic transformation and cancer progression, identify diagnostic and therapeutic markers, and develop new treatment strategies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
Andrzej Rapak, DSc, conducts research on the use of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, the mechanisms that induce cancer-cell death, the biological activity of natural and synthetic compounds, and the use of immunoenzymatic methods in diagnostics.
Professor Jakub Siednienko conducts research in cancer immunobiology, innate antiviral responses, and the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies. His interests include the use of oncolytic viruses, analysis of the mechanisms that activate antiviral and antitumour responses, and the development of targeted therapies, including drug–carrier conjugates and approaches based on cancer-cell surface markers.
Aleksandra Bielawska-Pohl, PhD Eng., conducts research on cancer-cell biology, the assessment of cancer-cell responses to therapeutic agents, and the use of new technologies in biology and medicine, including methods based on cold plasma.
Justyna Kutkowska, PhD Eng., studies the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer-cell responses to treatment, with particular focus on tolerance to targeted therapy, drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells, and cell-death pathways.
Justyna Łopatecka, PhD, studies the mechanisms of innate immune responses and interactions between viruses and immune cells. Her main interests include antiviral defence mechanisms, the molecular regulation of inflammatory processes, and the biology of cells that play key roles in the early immune response.
The team’s expertise enables research ranging from the molecular and cellular levels, through assessment of therapeutic candidates, to the development of diagnostic tools and solutions with translational potential.
Andrzej Rapak, DSc, Professor of the Polish Academy of Sciences
ORCID: 0000-0003-4897-0287
Andrzej Rapak, DSc, is a specialist in biochemistry, immunology, and experimental oncology. He conducts basic and applied research into therapies and diagnostics in human and veterinary medicine.
His main research interest is the induction of cancer-cell death using combinations of synthetic and natural compounds, as well as specific monoclonal antibodies. His work also includes the use of immunological and biochemical methods to develop diagnostic tools and new therapeutic strategies.
He has co-authored 60 scientific publications and 12 patent applications. He has led four research and development projects funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR), including projects under the PBS2, PBS3, TANGO2, and POIR programmes, as well as three grants funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the National Science Centre (NCN). He received Silver and Gold Medals at the Brussels Innova World Exhibition of Inventions, Scientific Research, and New Technologies.
Education
Habilitated Doctor (DSc) in natural sciences, discipline of cell biology, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, 2003;
Doctor of Natural Sciences in immunochemistry, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, 1990;
MSc Eng. in Chemistry, specialising in organic chemistry and polymers, Wrocław University of Technology, 1983.
International Research Experience
1998–2000 — Division of Biomedical Science, Imperial College of Medicine, London, United Kingdom; research fellow;
1993–1997 — Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway; postdoctoral fellow.
Professional Experience
Associate Professor at the Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology of Cancer, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław. His research focuses on cancer biology, immunology, biochemistry, and applied research aimed at developing diagnostics and therapies.