Exploring the role of obesity in cancer immune resistance

Summary

Cancer cells can evade the immune system's defenses, allowing tumour growth and spreading. Immune cells known as Cytotoxic T-cells are crucial for identifying and eliminating these cancer cells. However, in the process of tumor development, these T-cells can become 'exhausted,' losing their ability to effectively combat cancer. This phenomenon leads to what we call cancer immune resistance. Interestingly, obesity might play a significant role in aiding cancer's ability to evade the immune response. While multiple studies suggest a connection between obesity and immune resistance in cancer, we lack detailed understanding of the mechanisms behind this relationship.

During this PhD, you will delve into the intricate mechanisms through which obesity impacts the immune system's effectiveness against cancer. Employing a diverse set of laboratory techniques—including 3D co-cultures, real-time live-cell Aanalysis, RNASeq, ChIpSeq—you will investigate the specific molecular pathways connecting obesity to cancer's immune resistance, providing insights into novel approaches for inhibiting cancer growth and progression.

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