Dhifaf Sarhan

NK cells are innate immune cells that are thought to lack memory but can kill stressed and uncontrolled cells, moreover, their activity correlates with a better prognosis in tumors that arise in tissues so-called. solid tumors. Our research focuses on a newly discovered immune cell called adaptive natural killer cell (aNK cells) a subtype of NK cells that have immunological memory of viral infections. We have previously reported that aNK cells have an ability to resist tumor inhibition mechanisms that include increasing checkpoint proteins. This means that the proteins that prevents white blood cells from doing their job is expressed at low levels. Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that has recently shown promising results in patients with metastatic cancer. Despite promising clinical results, less than 40% of patients still respond to this form of treatment. This is largely due to the fact that tumor and tumor-supporting cells can inhibit the immune system. aNK cells can unimpeded carry out the killing of tumor cells that are surrounded by tumor supporting cells in comparison with normal NK cells. Here we aim to investigate 1) strategies used by aNK cells to recognize tumors. 2) Study mechanisms that drive aNK cell memory. 3) Characterize aNK cells in solid tumors. Results from this study will lead to a new knowledge to understand aNK cells in solid tumors, with purpose to improve their tumor reactivity to serve as a new cancer immunotherapy. Here we will use models of aggressive tumors such as ovarian cancer, metastatic, breast cancer and melanoma. Patients with these tumor types are still in great need of effective treatment options. The long-term goal of this program is to promote basic and transnational knowledge to develop new immunotherapies.

NK cells are innate immune cells that are thought to have no memory but can kill stressed and uncontrolled cells, in addition their activity correlates with a better prognosis in tumors that arise in tissues so-called. solid tumors. Our research focuses on a newly discovered immune cell called adaptive natural killer cell (aNK cells) a subtype of NK cells that have immunological memory of viral infections. We have previously reported that aNK cells have an ability to resist tumor inhibition mechanisms that include an increase in checkpoint proteins. This means that the proteins that prevent the white blood cells from doing their job are expressed at low levels. Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that has recently shown promising results in patients with metastatic cancer. Despite promising clinical results, less than 40% of patients still respond to this form of treatment. This is largely due to the fact that tumor and tumor-supporting cells can inhibit the immune system. aNK cells can unimpededly carry out the killing of tumor cells that are surrounded by tumor supporting cells in comparison with normal NK cells. Here we aim to investigate 1) strategies used by aNK cells to recognize tumors. 2) Study mechanisms that drive aNK cell memory. 3) Characterize aNK cells in solid tumors. Results from this study will lead to new knowledge to understand aNK cells in solid tumors, with the aim of improving their tumor reactivity to serve as a new cancer immunotherapy. Here we will use models of aggressive tumors such as pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, metastatic breast cancer and melanoma. Patients with these tumor types are still in great need of effective treatment options. The long-term goal of this program is to advance basic and transnational knowledge to develop new immunotherapies.