Genetically defining memory natural killer cells in breast cancer

Treatment-resistant and metastatic breast cancers that cannot be treated with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy require additional targeted therapies that improve the immune system’s ability to kill cancer cells. But due to safety, cost and effectiveness, these therapies currently have limited potential for use in other types of cancer. If a recently discovered immune cell could be trained or modified to recognize specific types of cancers, it would lead to new treatment options for various types and stages of breast cancer as well as other types of cancer.Dr Andrew Makrigiannis and his team are studying recently discovered immune cells – the memory natural killer (NK) cell. The research team is working to understand the role that memory NK cells play in the detection and elimination of breast cancer cells. Next, the team will test whether NK cells can be targeted and modified to remember and recognize specific types of tumour cells. If successful, this work could lead to an immunotherapy that is effective against a broader range of breast tumours, and could even be repurposed to target other types of cancers. Grant partner : BHCRI Total amount: $149544.00