Investigate the role of interferons in CLL and Melanoma in mouse models

Using transgenic mice, either harboring the human type I interferon receptors of knockout of them we investigated the effect of different type I interferons and different modes of application on specific disease models, particularly CLL and melanoma. Here, we found that interferons are survival factors for CLL, and that the disease is less sever in the background of interferon receptor knockout mice. Conversely, in melanoma systemic interferons had a negative influence on disease progression, while, localized interferon administration was successful in reducing disease burden through modulation of the immune response.