Research focus of the Department of Dermatology
The research focus of the USZ Department of Dermatology includes basic and applied preclinical and clinical research in the areas of skin cancer, inflammatory skin diseases, skin infections, allergy, as well as surgery and wound healing. Our teams of experts are working to develop innovative approaches to better understand the diseases and shape the future of medical care in the field of dermatology.
Skin cancer
We investigate the biology and immunology of cutaneous lymphomas, cutaneous melanoma and epithelial skin cancers. Based on such investigations and especially of the microenvironment of tumours, we establish interventions in cell cultures and animal models. We apply the latest omics tools as to identify better predictive biomarkers for precision medicine as well as novel targets cancer. In a translational research approach, we apply this new knowledge to our patients in order to provide effective treatment with best quality of life. The department has established itself as an excellent skin cancer centre that provide the best clinical care connected to translational and clinical research.
Allergy
We study various aspects, causes, and the immunology of allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, urticaria, contact allergies, mast cell-related disorders, inhalation allergies (to pollen, mites, and animals), insect allergies, food allergies and intolerances, as well as drug hypersensitivities. To do this, we use a wide range of established clinical testing methods, including in vivo tissue provocations (skin, eye, nose, gut), as well as modern and advanced laboratory techniques like the ImmunoCAP antibody ELISA, ISAC and ALEX antibody arrays, and basophil and lymphocyte activation tests. Additionally, we are developing and investigating new treatment approaches for allergies, both in preclinical in vitro and in vivo animal models, as well as in human studies. These studies include innovative allergen-specific immunotherapies, such as ILIT, and investigations into new biologics, including anti-cytokine antibodies or monoclonal anti-allergen antibodies.
Skin Infections
Our research is focused on bacterial infections (e.g. sexually transmitted infections, prosthetic joint infections), fungal infections (e.g. dermatomycoses), and microbiome investigations. In our investigations, we use different approaches such as culture-based methods including cell culture and 3D-models, antimicrobial resistance detection and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, serology, diagnostic PCR, intervention studies, and epidemiological analyses. In a translational research approach, we apply this new knowledge to our patients in order to provide effective diagnostic tests, infection prevention, and optimized treatment strategies.
Inflammatory skins disease
Inflammatory skin diseases encompass a diverse group of conditions that can affect individuals’ health and quality of life. To better understand and treat these diseases, our teams lead and participate in a range of national and international investigator-initiated trials (IITs) and clinical studies, as well as support and manage extensive registry databases. In addition, our scientists utilize pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo models and state-of-the-art methods such as single-cell, spatial, genomic, metabolic, and proteomic technologies, to dissect molecular mechanisms of disease. The science aims to elucidate the pathogenesis and progression of inflammatory skin diseases, as well as inspire interventions that are more effective. The integration of scientific and clinical expertise facilitates the translation of our projects from bench to bedside. By transforming laboratory findings into clinical applications, we identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers, enhance treatment efficacy, and ultimately improve patient care. As a result, our department is leading a shift towards personalized healthcare, setting new standards in both medical research and patient management for inflammatory skin diseases.
mRNA Technology
In our group, we design, optimise, produce, analyse and formulate synthetic mRNAs for use in-house or as part of national and international collaborations in basic and preclinical research. Linear, circular and replicative mRNAs can be used as vectors to express all types of proteins in vitro and in vivo, with different kinetics. Thus, suitable synthetic mRNA vectors can help to understand the role of a given protein or to validate the therapeutic potential of encoded wild-type or engineered proteins. In medicine, following the approval of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, more and more vaccines and therapies based on synthetic mRNA will be validated, making it possible to meet a whole range of unmet medical needs.
Veterinary skin research and development
EVax AG and Saiba Animal Health AG are two start-up companies embedded within the Department of Dermatology working in the field of veterinary medicine. Although treatment of animal skin diseases are a central topic in both companies, they also perform basic research related to the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases in animals and in humans.
