Aberrant Cathepsin S (CTSS) Activity in Follicular Lymphoma (P04)

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

We discovered a clinically relevant mechanism of tumour and immune cell interaction in follicular lymphoma, a prototypical type of blood cancer. Cathepsin S (CTSS) alterations result in aberrant hyperactivity of this lysosomal cysteine protease and induce a tumour-promoting CD4 T cell enriched immune microenvironment. We use innovative ex vivo and in vivo models to functionally define and therapeutically target these tumour-promoting interactions. Furthermore, we identified intriguing roles of CTSS in NF-κB and TLR signalling, and -unexpectedly- in the nucleus. Defining and targeting the unique pathobiology of CTSS hyperactive tumours is expected to provide a strong rationale for its translation into the clinic.

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