Two NFCR-Supported Researchers Help Identify Cells That Naturally Fight Cancer
NFCR-supported researchers Dr. Suzanne Topalian of Johns Hopkins University and her collaborator Dr. Paul Nghiem of the University of Washington co-authored a study titled “A minimal gene set characterizes TIL specific for diverse tumor antigens across different cancer types” that was published in Nature Communications. The study identified a small group of key genes that help find special immune cells called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that naturally fight cancer.
These immune cells can recognize and attack different types of tumors, making them important for cancer treatment. Understanding which genes control these cells could help researchers develop better cancer therapies, especially immunotherapy, which boosts the body’s natural defenses against cancer.
This discovery may lead to more effective ways to identify and activate the immune system to fight cancer.
From Dr. Suzanne Topalian:
Our continuing studies to profile T cells recognizing virus-positive vs virus-negative MCCs will build on these initial findings to provide an in-depth characterization of the immune response against MCCs. We anticipate that such work may lead to enhanced therapeutics and immune monitoring tools. Please know how much NFCR funding is appreciated in support of these investigations.
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About Immunotherapy
Cancer Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking new frontier in cancer treatment that helps empower patients’ own immune systems to recognize and attack cancer cells, providing new hope and critical treatment options for many patients with advanced cancers that were previously difficult to treat effectively. Learn More>>>
Collaboration to Accelerate Discoveries
With NFCR support, Dr. Nghiem and Dr. Topalian are collaborating to tackle the problem of why and how the body’s immune system sees virus-induced and UV light-induced MCC differently. Their studies of immune responses will help determine new combination therapies to save more patients from MCC.
About Suzanne Topalian
Dr. Suzanne Topalian is a physician-scientist whose studies of anti-tumor immunity have been foundational in developing cancer immunotherapy. Her research catalyzed the cancer community to develop the current FDA approval of 6 different checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for 17 types of cancer.
About Paul Nghiem
Dr. Paul Nghiem is a physician-scientist and leader in the research and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and deadly skin cancer. Studies by Dr. Nghiem’s team have resulted in the first two FDA-approved therapies for MCC.
