Dissecting the function of B cell in sporadic and colitis-associated colon cancer

• Applicant: Dr. Nadine Hövelmeyer
• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 397675136

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumour of the colon, which can develop as a consequence of inflammatory bowel disease or occurs spontaneously. The intestinal immune system plays a crucial role in the development and progression of CRC. CRC and other solid tumours are infiltrated by immune cells such as tumour-associated macrophages, T cells, mast cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumour infiltrating B cells. In the tumour microenvironment, B cells, T cells and dendritic cells can form tertiary lymphoid structures. B cells are exhibiting numerous mechanisms that might affect tumorigenesis. They produce anti tumour antibodies, serve as antigen presenting cells for T cells, produce cytokines, exhibit cytotoxic functions or can mediate immune suppressive functions as Breg cells. Current studies reveal a crucial role for B cells in cancer, but the exact mechanisms still remain elusive.We aim at i) phenotypically characterize B-cell subpopulations in CRC, clarify which role B cell derived ii) cytokines and iii) antibodies play in CRC progression as well as iv) compare spontaneous and inflammation induced cancer with respect to their B-cell population and function. Our detailed working program will shed light on B-cell mediated therapies against CRC.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants