Recruitment and functional activity of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD4+ regulatory T cells

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ulf Dittmer
• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2010 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 175696446

Immune escape is a common feature of tumor cells, but most mechanisms of escape are unknown. To analyze such mechanisms we will use a mouse model in which the transformation of erythroblasts by a murine retrovirus results in a lethal leukemia. Transformed cells express viral antigens and are recognized by T cells. Tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) that kill transformed target cells are induced during tumor development. However, the cytotoxic function of CTLs is suppressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs), and this suppression results in uncontrolled tumor growth. We will investigate the molecular interplay between tumor cells, CTLs, and Tregs.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants