Cellular plasticity driven by cancer cell-intrinsic innate immune activation in DDX41-mediated myeloid malignancies (B10)

• Subject Area: Hematology, Oncology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 533056198

Using innovative techniques, including dynamic differentiation and fate tracking, 3D co-culture models, and clone tracing, project B10 will analyze the role of DDX41 in activation of cancer cell innate immune responses and how DDX41-mediated cGAS-STING signaling contributes to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell plasticity and leukemogenesis. This project highlights how cell intrinsic properties (e.g. germline DDX41 mutations) affect innate immune response that may drive leukemogenesis via increased inflammation.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1709: Cellular Plasticity in Myeloid Malignancies: From Mechanisms to Therapies
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Dr. Simone Feurstein; Professor Dr. Axel Roers