Hanna Hepp

RESEARCH

Although immunotherapy has shown clinical benefit, the induction of effective DC-driven CD8+ T-cell responses leading to durable tumor regression is often not achieved.
This is in part due to the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, of which limited nutrient availability is an important driver. My project focusses on the role of the nutrient sensor AMPK in controlling CD8+ T cell function in the tumor microenvironment and on establishing whether targeting of AMPK signaling in CD8+ T cells holds promise as a novel approach to strengthen cancer immunotherapy. This project is funded by the KWF.

CURRICULUM VITAE

In 2021, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry at the University of Würzburg, Germany. Following this, I pursued a Master's degree in Biochemistry with a specialization in Molecular Life Sciences at the same institution. During my Master´s studies I performed an Erasmus internship at the LUMC Leiden in the group of Ramon Arens and at the University Hospital of Würzburg in the group of Niklas Beyersdorf. After graduating with distinction in August 2024, I returned to Ramon Arens' group as a PhD candidate in October 2024.