Targeting A20 to Activate Glioblastoma Immune Microenvironment and Improve the Response to Immunotherapy

• Applicant: Dr. Nirmeen Elmadany
• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology ; Immunology
• Term: from 2022 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 514016909

• Final Report Year: 2024

Final Report Abstract

The cytoplasmic ubiquitin-editing enzyme A20 has been emerged as a key modulator of the immune system. A20 is implicated in various cancers by promoting tumor growth and survival through its inhibitory effects on immune signaling pathways. In our study, I aimed at targeting A20 using Cre-LoxP technology to disrupt A20 immunosuppressive effect in Glioblastoma microenvironment and to boost the efficiency of immunotherapy. Within 2023, I could successfully establish the genetically modified colonies and perform experiments to highlight the alteration in A20 expression upon glioblastoma treatment with immunotherapy. Further experiments are necessary to comprehensively elucidate the role of A20 in GBM resistance to immunotherapy.