PriME (ERC Starting Grant)

As part of the five-year funding program (2026-2031) by the European Research Council (ERC), the PriME junior research group led by Ramona Clemen is working on the measurement, mapping, and functional classification of oxidative protein modifications. These modifications are to be induced in a targeted manner using controllable plasma processes and, in the medium term, will serve to support the immune system in recognizing and eliminating colon cancer cells. To this end, unique cross-links between plasma parameters, plasma properties, chemical reactions in liquids, changes in tumor cell proteins, and effects on immune cells are being established, which in the future should allow plasmas with defined properties to be specifically targeted for immune-based procedures in oncology, such as vaccinations. 

The group is also involved in a DFG project on new plasma-based vaccination approaches against malignant melanoma. Methodologically, the working group uses the methods and equipment available at ZIK plasmatis.