Spatial analysis of antigen specificities of human TILs utilizing a novel antigen reporting platform

• Applicant: Dr. Xiaojing Chen
• Subject Area: Immunology ; Biochemistry ; Biological Process Engineering
• Term: from 2021 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 456456433

The overall objective of the project is to provide insight into tumor immunology by analyzing the antigen specificities of TILs in a spatial manner, using a novel antigen reporting platform. This cell-based antigen reporting platform integrates artificial biosensors by structural-guided design and next generation cDNA library of potential tumor antigens constructed from tumor cells. The platform will identify antigens from TILs that recognize both self and neo-antigens. By dramatically reducing the source of antigenic proteins in the library by restricting them to one or few of the naturally-occurring proteins (as opposed to large random libraries), and hence reducing the search space for the computational search engine, the mapping of the epitopes will be more reliable, less material demanding and time saving. The project will also gain insight into basic aspects of T cell biology, e.g. help us better understand the rules for T cell antigen processing and presentation. Coupling the knowledge of real processed T cell antigens and computational algorithms, we can have a better prediction for T cell antigens.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor K. Christopher Garcia, Ph.D.