DEVELOPMENT GROUPS

We continue the pioneering work in order to create potential for saving lives and improving a patient’s quality of life when going through strenuous treatments. We have made unique discoveries on stem cell surface structure, especially glycans, and transplantation genetics.

For cell therapy development, it is vital to understand the cell surface. We have formed the Cell Surface Analytics Laboratory , focusing on glycoproteins using mass spectrometry. Cell surface glycans play a key role in defining cell identity and biology, enabling us to find new cell markers and improve the quality and therapeutic properties of the cells.

In order to improve safety and efficacy in cellular therapies, it is important to understand the physiological niche of the cell. The Cell Research Laboratory develops cell processing and expansion techniques focusing on the changes in cell surface structures and functionality. Our special interest is in umbilical cord blood derived cells.

Following a major surgery or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the body is vulnerable to mucosal injury. The natural gastrointestinal tract bacteria and their interaction with our own cells have a particular role in intestinal complications. Our goal in the Microbe Host Interaction Laboratory is to find applications to decrease intestinal inflammation by improving mucosal integrity and personalised modulation of intestinal microbiota composition.

The foundation of the FRCBS research and development activity is the pioneering work on population genetics by Professor Harri Nevanlinna and on interferons by Professor Kari Cantell. Research on stem cell and solid organ transplantation has been carried out in the HLA laboratory and Cord Blood Bank by a number of scientists, producing hundreds of scientific publications. In total, more than 50 PhD theses have been done at the FRCBS.

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