Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English en
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Investigating the Interplay of Natural Killer Cells and Microbiome in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Project description

Natural killer cells and microbiome in lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are cancers where abnormal B lymphocytes accumulate in lymph nodes and other tissues. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is more aggressive compared to follicular lymphoma (FL) that tends to develop more slowly. Both forms often resist treatment, partly by evading immune responses. Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for anti-cancer defence, and recent research shows that the microbiome can influence immunotherapy outcomes. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the LINK-M project will study how NK cell activity and microbial diversity interact in DLBCL and FL patients. By linking NK receptor expression with microbiome features, researchers hope to guide risk stratification and inspire new therapeutic approaches.

Objective

Natural Killer (NK) cells have a critical role in anti-cancer immunity and recently the influence of the microbiome in cancer immunotherapy was shown. Comprehending the complex interplay between the expression of NK cells ligands involved in immune evasion mechanisms and the microbiome is crucial for achieving immunotherapy success. Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and Follicular Lymphoma (FL) are two types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) characterized by accumulating B lymphocytes in lymph nodes, and extranodal sites. DLBCL and FL usually show aggressive and indolent behavior respectively. DLBCL, includes the known subtypes germinal center B-cells (GCB) and activated B-cells (ABC), and, like the DLBCL-GCB subtype, FL have a germinal origin as well. The mechanism involved in the immune-microbiome interplay are not clearly understood, hampering the improvement of therapeutic possibilities. The objective of this study is to reveal the complex interplay between the NK cells and the microbiome in DLBCL and FL patients and harness its therapeutic potential. To achieve this, I will use single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry to analyze the composition of NK cells dissociated from DLBCL and FL samples. Then, I will use correlative analyses to identify the NK ligands/receptors that are more expressed in patients with low diversity and high variability microbiome. Ultimately, I will address the impact of this correlation in the response to immunotherapy. The results will pave the way for patient risk stratification establishment and new treatment options approaches. Conducting this project at the Tumor Stroma Interactions (TSI) group will provide me a solid scientific basis as well as technical development for further progressing my scientific career.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

LUXEMBOURG INSTITUTE OF HEALTH
Net EU contribution
€ 216 240,00
Address
1A RUE RUE THOMAS EDISON
1445 Strassen
Luxembourg
Region
Luxembourg Luxembourg Luxembourg
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
No data