Characterization of molecular mechanisms controlling phagocytosis of precancerous hepatocytes by macrophages and phagocytosis escape of hepatocellular carcinomas

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Thomas Wirth, since 8/2018
• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: from 2017 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 366004306

Hepatocellular carcinomas are aggressive liver tumors with a poor survival rate, in part because of their resistance to conventional chemotherapy and poor response to targeted therapies. Therefore, new therapeutic treatment approaches are urgently needed. One promising approach is to induce tumor cell killing by tumor-infiltrating immune cells such as macrophages. Unfortunately, their anti-tumor function is inhibited in hepatocellular carcinomas. Thus, clearance of neoplastic hepatocytes by macrophages is impaired. In previous studies, we established the molecular mechanism of macrophage recruitment for clearance of precancerous hepatocytes. Here, I propose to investigate the molecules involved in recognition and phagocytosis of precancerous hepatocytes and how this process is inhibited in hepatocellular carcinomas. Furthermore, novel immunotherapeutic approaches in treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas by reestablishing macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of tumor cells will be developed.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Dr. Tobias Eggert, until 7/2018