ImmunoPreCept – Cluster of Excellence aspires to transform disease research, detection, and prevention by focusing on critical transitions between health and illness. Rather than researching sickness after symptoms appear, ImmunoPreCept seeks to find the earliest molecular events that mark the beginning of this transition—the subtle, preclinical changes that determine whether the body retains resilience or develops into chronic disease.
At the heart of this work is the immune system, which is a powerful regulator of tissue homeostasis, healing, and overall health. When functioning properly, it defends the body and maintains equilibrium; when misregulated, it may lead to cancer, autoimmune illnesses, and chronic inflammation. ImmunoPreCept aims to understand how the immune system maintains health, how it loses control, and how this knowledge may be leveraged to develop novel therapies that restore balance before sickness strikes.
ImmunoPreCept brings together some of Berlin’s top institutions, including Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Berlin Institute of Health, DRFZ, and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics. This interdisciplinary approach fosters innovation at the intersection of fundamental science and clinical applications.
The Cluster’s goal goes beyond researching sickness processes; it tries to prevent disease at the root. Researchers will combine AI-assisted analysis, single-cell and spatial technologies, and longitudinal patient studies to identify early genetic and cellular signs indicating a decrease in health before symptoms appear. These results will pave the way for precision prevention and interceptive drugs, ushering in a substantial shift from reactive to proactive treatment.
ImmunoPreCept also seeks to redefine what it means to be healthy. Researchers strive to understand the fundamental principles that allow the body to maintain or restore equilibrium by looking at states like resilience and remission. Understanding these systems will enable the development of strategies that promote long-term health rather than merely sickness avoidance.
Ultimately, ImmunoPreCept aims to develop a new medical paradigm that prioritizes prevention, resilience, and long-term well-being. The Cluster aspires to pave the way for a future in which early diagnosis and tailored prevention are the cornerstones of healthcare, improving quality of life and reducing the global burden of chronic illness.
Work within interdisciplinary teams across multiple institutes.
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