Exploring tumor–immune system interactions to develop innovative immunotherapeutic strategies that enhance anti-tumor immune responses.
The immune system plays a fundamental role in recognizing and eliminating malignant cells. Evidence from experimental models and clinical observations suggests that immune surveillance can prevent tumor development or control tumor growth. However, many tumors evolve mechanisms that allow them to evade immune detection and suppress effective anti-tumor immune responses.
These mechanisms often involve complex interactions between tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. Tumors may alter antigen presentation, suppress immune activation, or recruit immune cells that promote tumor growth rather than tumor elimination. Understanding these processes is essential for identifying new therapeutic targets.
Research groups at UCCSH study the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying tumor–immune interactions in both hematological and solid malignancies. These insights contribute to the development of innovative immunotherapeutic approaches, including monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and genetically engineered cellular therapies such as CAR T-cell therapy. Such strategies have already significantly improved outcomes for patients with several cancer types and continue to be an important focus of translational cancer research.