Control of lymphatic metastasis by immune education of melanoma (P17)

• Subject Area: Immunology ; Dermatology ; Hematology, Oncology
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 360372040

Lymphatic metastases in melanoma are frequent, but whether and how immune surveillance can interfere with lymphatic metastasis formation is not well studied. We demonstrated that mast cells (MC) accumulate around melanomas in humans and mice and that MC control lymphatic metastasis formation. Using the unique model of MC-deficient versus MC reconstituted MC-deficient mice, we aim to decipher underlying mechanisms of metastasis immune control with a focus on the tumour microenvironment (TME) and its immune cells. Furthermore, we will characterize the consequences on melanoma biology in mice and humans to define the underlying mechanisms of metastasis immune control.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1335: Aberrant Immune Signals in Cancer
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Tilo Biedermann