B cell landscape changes during tumour progression
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Immunology and Molecular Pathology
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) encompasses a group of kidney cancers that arise from the epithelial cells lining the renal tubules. Worldwide, there are over 400,000 cases of RCC each year and 70% of patients are diagnosed with clear cell RCC (ccRCC). Like many cancers, ccRCC creates an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) to evade elimination by the immune system. Whilst the contribution of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to the immunosuppressive TME has been studied in more depth, there is a lack of understanding of the role played by regulatory B cells (Bregs) in cancer progression. We aim to use single-cell RNA-seq data performed on ccRCC tumour biopsies and matching PBMCs to identify TME-derived signals that drive Breg recruitment and suppressive activity, thus providing the opportunity to target these pathways therapeutically in vitro and in vivo. Aims: 1) to identify any changes in B cell subpopulations as the cancer progresses and what influence this has on immunosurveillance within the TME. 2) to establish patient-derived "tumouroids" co-cultured with peripheral blood Bcells/Bregs to assess the impact of the tumour on Breg phenotype/function 3) To test whether the Breg-inhibiting pathways identified in patients can be manipulated in the murine RENCA renal cancer model to trigger tumour rejection.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Claudia Mauri (Primary Supervisor) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MR/N013867/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2025 | |||
2397869 | Studentship | MR/N013867/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2024 |
Description | Philanthropic donors presentation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Supporters |
Results and Impact | Philanthropic donors from the Lions Club of Enfield had raised over £300,000 to open the Meena Raja Laboratory at the Pear's building. I was asked to present my work on kidney cancer immunology to this group to show the work produced from the donation and to promote more donations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |