CYTOSKELETON AND CANCER PROGRESSION

The immune system plays a crucial role in preventing and combating cancer. Central to this defense is the direct interaction between cytotoxic lymphocytes and cancer cells through a highly specialised cell-cell interface known as the immunological synapse (IS). The IS has two primary functions: 1. “reading” the signals on the surface of potential cancer cells to determine if they should be eliminated or spared, and 2. killing confirmed target cells in a precise manner, minimising collateral damage to surrounding healthy cells.

Our research group is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of the IS between cytotoxic lymphocytes and cancer cells, with a particular emphasis on the cancer cell side of the IS, which remains poorly understood.

Utilising cutting-edge high-resolution and quantitative cell imaging techniques, we have recently highlighted the crucial role of the actin cytoskeleton in enabling cancer cell resistance to cytotoxic lymphocytes. Our research delves into the molecular underpinnings of this resistance, seeking to uncover how the actin cytoskeleton aids cancer cells in evading immune destruction.

We are committed to translating our findings into innovative therapeutic strategies. By targeting signaling pathways and other key components of the IS, we aim to enhance the efficacy of current immunotherapy approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-NK and -T cells, to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Our ultimate goal is to advance the understanding of the immunological synapse and related resistance mechanisms, contributing to the development of next-generation immunotherapies that harness cytotoxic lymphocytes to eradicate cancer cells more effectively.

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