The role of intrahepatic regulatory T cells in immunotherapy of liver cancer

• Applicant: Dr. Lorenz Kocheise
• Subject Area: Gastroenterology ; Hematology, Oncology
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 546185154

Immunotherapy, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors, has revolutionized cancer treatment over the last decade. Despite major clinical advances across many cancer entities, only a fraction of patients respond to these powerful therapies. Across all entities, patients with liver metastases in particular show a poor response to immunotherapies. In addition, only a subgroup of patients with primary liver tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma carcinoma respond to therapy. The underlying mechanisms are diverse, but it has become increasingly apparent that intrahepatic regulatory T cells play a key role in mediating resistance to immunotherapies. This work aims to investigate the role of regulatory T cells in the immunotolerant milieu of primary liver tumors and how these mechanisms of resistance might be overcome through a triple combination therapy with anti PD 1, anti-CTLA-4, and anti-VEGF-A antibodies.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Tim F. Greten