Lead researcher
Prof Jamie Rossjohn, Prof Andrew Brooks
Institution
Monash University
Tumour type:
Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Haematological malignancies
Years funded
2016-2018
Project description
Our project, focused on tumour immunology, aims to understand the mechanisms by which tumour cells are recognised and eliminated by the immune system. We will investigate one aspect of this process that is mediated by natural killer (NK) cells. The detection and elimination of tumour cells by NK cells is dictated by recognition of tumour-expressed proteins (HLA-I) by members of the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family. We want to provide insights into the extent to which NK cells exert immune pressure on cancers.
What is the need?
Variation in NK receptor genes impacts on the outcome of the treatment of haematological malignancies. However there is still no clear understanding of which NK/HLA combinations result in improved patient outcomes. Our aim is to provide valuable data that can be used to better define these clinical relationships and ultimately to improve donor selection for bone marrow transplantation.
What is the impact of this research?
The research will provide valuable data that can be used to better define clinical relationships and ultimately to improve donor selection for bone marrow transplantation. These findings not only have significance for understanding how NK cells act in the context of haematological malignancy, but may also identify HLA-C allotypes for which expression is sustained over the course of disease. This would have implications for peptide-based vaccine approaches.
Funding Body
Cancer Council Victoria Research Grant