Understanding and Harnessing Cancer Immunity: From Biology to Therapy

Host

Rita Fior, PhD, Cancer Development and Innate Immune Evasion Lab

Venue

Seminar room

Abstract

The interplay between cancer and the immune system presents intriguing paradoxes. While adaptive immune responses, particularly those mediated by T cells, can profoundly influence cancer progression, the immune system's role in early cancer development remains ambiguous. For instance, high CD8+ T-cell infiltration correlates with improved prognosis, and immunotherapies revitalizing T-cell responses have transformed outcomes for many patients. Yet, immunosuppressed individuals show no significantly elevated risk for most common cancers.
In this talk, I will delve into our group’s efforts to dissect these complexities, challenge prevailing dogmas, and investigate mechanisms of natural anti-tumor immunity that lead to novel immunotherapies. Additionally, I will discuss the contribution of spatial technologies in advancing our understanding of cancer biology and immunology, questioning whether they truly revolutionize the field or merely reflect the latest scientific hype.

Biography

Noel de Miranda is a Principal Investigator and Associate Professor at the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands. His research group focuses on genetic and immunological aspects of cancer, employing advanced genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic technologies, with a particular emphasis on spatial and (sub-)cellular resolution analysis techniques. One of the main goals of the group’s work is to develop innovative immunotherapies, expanding the range of treatment options available for cancer patients.

Register here.
 

About CR Colloquia Series

Champalimaud Research (CR) Colloquia Series is a seminar programme organised by the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown to promote the discussion about the most interesting and significant questions in neuroscience and physiology & cancer with appointed speakers by the CR Community.