The tolerogenic microenvironment in the liver facilitates metastasis formation (B06)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 530990199

The hypothesis of project B06 is that IL-10 is a key player in tolerance towards liver metastasis and may thus serve as an immunotherapeutic target in this context. Based on our preliminary data implicating IL-10 in colorectal cancer-derived liver metastasis (CRLM) formation, we will first investigate the mechanisms underlying the IL-10-mediated regulation of CD8+ T cells in CRLM formation. Next, we plan to investigate how IL-10 mediated modulation of CD8+ T-cells impacts immunotherapy response in liver metastasis. Finally, we aim to examine whether IL-10 can serve as a biomarker and drug target to break liver tolerance and improve immunotherapy outcomes of CRC patients with liver metastasis.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1700: Immune regulation in the liver: from homeostasis to disease
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Head: Anastasios Giannou, Ph.D.