Immuno-metabolic fitness models for cancer evolution (C05*)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 325931972

How does cancer cell metabolism influences tumor immunogenicity and evolution? We will study how metabolic shifts alter MHC I-mediated antigen presentation in cancer cells, affecting their recognition by T-cells. This will inform a metabolism-dependent fitness model for the prediction of cancer evolution. Predictions of growth and clonal composition will be tested in a mouse model and in human clinical cohorts. This project will open a new avenue for interventions: model-guided induction of metabolic shifts to increase the immunogenicity – i.e., decrease the fitness – of cancer cell populations.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1310: Predictability in Evolution
• International Connection: USA
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Christian Frezza, since 1/2026; Professorin Dr. Marta Luksza, since 1/2026; Professor Dr. Michael Lässig, since 1/2026