Immune function in the extended tumour microenvironment

Approximately 400,000 new cancers are diagnosed in the UK each year and this number is increasing. Although advances in treatments are progressing, new treatments with greater efficacy and fewer side effects need development for improving patient outcomes.

Cancers develop and progress by shutting down the body’s immune defences (the immune system defends the body against infection, whilst protecting the body's own cells). These defences normally identify and destroy cancer cells before tumours establish. Immunotherapies are a type of cancer treatment that target activation of the immune system to destroy cancer cells and they have shown great potential. However, these are still only partially successful due to our lack of understanding of how the immune system interacts with the cells and signals in the tumour microenvironment (the area immediately surrounding the tumour).

Using mouse models of human cancers, we will study the extended tumour microenvironment in terms of immune response with emphasis on the lymph node, lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structure that are part of the body's immune system. The aims of this project are to understand immune system responses and how they go wrong in the complex mix of cells that encompass the extended tumour microenvironment during its development. The findings will help design new therapeutic approaches for treating cancers.

The project will generate data for publication in peer-reviewed journals for the benefit of other researchers in this field. Ultimately, we hope to develop and improve immunotherapies for cancer patients adding to their life expectancy and quality of life.