LSI Challenge: Health

This project aims to improve the response to current drugs by enhancing the immune response

Natural Killer (NK) cells are immune cells capable of direct anti-tumour cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Direct NK cell-mediated immunity is regulated by the expression of inhibitory and stimulatory ligands on potential target cells, with NK cells able to recognise the ligand profile associated with tumours compared to normal tissue. ADCC can be mediated by monoclonal antibody therapies like trastuzumab, which is used to treat HER2+ breast cancer. Javier is investigating what makes some cancer cells susceptible to NK cell killing and others resistant. He is also determining if immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab can enhance NK cell activity.