By the end of the year, seven research teams will have begun their work. Their thematic focus will encompass cellular and functional aspects of the immune response to molecular mechanisms of inflammation and immune defense. The basic aspects of cytobiology such as intracellular signals, receptor-bound interaction, protein structure, and proteolysis will also be examined. The IRB's goal is to contribute to progress in human biology by way of studying the mechanisms of immune response to microorganisms and tumors, and by finding new approaches in the fields of diagnostics and therapy.

The IRB cooperates with research institutes outside of Switzerland and functions as an interface between a number of large hospitals in the region. In addition, the IRB organizes seminars for medical students and is involved in special programs for physicians offered at a number of universities in Switzerland and Italy.