11/02/2026

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ERC Proof of Concept Grant awarded to researcher PD Dr. Jennifer Altomonte on virus-based cancer therapy

Turning research results into innovations: that is the stated goal of the European Research Council’s (ERC) Proof of Concept Grants. With CHECKVIR, a project that builds on ERC-funded research is being supported with around €150,000. In this project, researcher PD Dr. Jennifer Altomonte will develop a new virus-based cancer therapy.

PD Dr. Jennifer Altomonte researches so-called oncolytic viruses—genetically modified pathogens that attack cancer cells. Her work will now be funded through an ERC Proof of Concept Grant. © Juli Eberle / TUM

In recent years, major advances have been made in cancer immunotherapies. However, while there are many promising options for blood and lymphatic cancers, treating so-called solid tumors remains a greater challenge with existing approaches. The CHECKVIR project aims to change that. In it, PD Dr. Jennifer Altomonte—who leads a research group at the Department of Internal Medicine II at TUM University Hospital and is DKTK Investigator at DKTK partner site Munich—plans to develop a new immunotherapy for the treatment of solid tumors based on oncolytic viruses.

These specifically engineered viruses infect cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. In addition, the modified viruses are intended to disable a sophisticated defense mechanism used by tumors: tumor cells can send signals that activate immune system “off switches,” known as immune checkpoints. The new therapy blocks these signals so that immune cells can once again fight the cancer effectively.

The project builds on the ERC Starting Grant project ONCO-VAX. Early feasibility studies are planned to identify the most suitable candidates for a therapeutic virus. In addition, a clear roadmap toward clinical testing and market launch will be developed.

SOURCE: TUM