Flt3-ITD-induced remodelling of non-leukaemic myeloid cells and its role in leukaemic immune escape (P05)

• Subject Area: Hematology, Oncology ; Immunology ; Rheumatology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 441891347

In the project we will investigate how the oncogenic Flt3-ITD mutation reshapes the phenotype and function of the non-malignant myeloid compartment within the bone marrow (BM) niche to drive immune evasion in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (Aim 1). Next, we will define the molecular mechanisms by which Flt3-ITD-driven changes in three candidate metabolites (N-acetylaspartate, lactic acid, and serine), affect resident BM macrophages (Aim 2). Furthermore, we will validate the findings from Aim 1 and 2 in AML samples from patients and novel human 3D bone marrow niche models (Aim 3).

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1479: Oncogene-driven immune escape (OncoEscape)
• International Connection: Switzerland
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Petya Apostolova, since 1/2026; Dr. Nina Cabezas-Wallscheid, until 12/2025; Dr. Katrin Kierdorf