Regulation of cancer-specific immune response by targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs)

• Grant number: 22/11149-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: December 01, 2022
• End date: November 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Agreement: GlaxoSmithKline
• Principal Investigator: José Carlos Farias Alves Filho
• Grantee: Daniela Coelho dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Company: Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein (SBIBAE). Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein (IIEPAE)
• Associated research grant: 21/00408-6 - Center for Research in Immuno-Oncology (CRIO), AP.PCPE

Abstract

Macrophages are critical cells in maintaining tissue homeostasis and triggering the immune response against pathogens. Thus, macrophages can be activated by a variety of stimuli and differentiate into functionally distinct phenotypes. Many of the properties of M2-type regulatory macrophages are also characteristic of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by producing specific cytokines, chemokines and growth factors that limit the antitumor immune response. Furthermore, regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential members of the immune system that regulate peripheral immune tolerance to prevent autoimmune disorders and an overloaded inflammatory response to infections. However, Tregs also suppress immunosurveillance, hindering the host's immune responses against tumors. Renal cell carcinoma and colorectal cancer were responsible for 1.2 million deaths in 2019 according to the World Health Organization. When detected early, surgical excision of primary tumors can be an effective treatment strategy; however, there are currently no therapeutic treatments that are universally effective for all patients. In this case, the search for new therapeutic alternatives for these tumors is of great relevance. (AU)