The group is interested in understanding the multifactorial steps of melanoma metastasis and the reciprocal communication of tumor cells with cells of the microenvironment with regard to cancer therapy (immune checkpoint therapy). We use several state-of-the-art 2D/3D in vitro assays and various experimental tumor models (e.g. genetically controlled spontaneous melanoma models) to identify tumor modulating mechanisms and validate therapeutic intervention under dynamic environmental conditions.