Targeting and customizing blood vessels in tumors to increase T cell infiltration and maintain their function may represent the next breakthrough in cancer therapy. The European Research Council has recognized this by awarding a prestigious Synergy Grant to the project VASC-IMMUNE, where three researchers, each possessing complementary expertise in this research topic, will synergize to advance the field. Professors Anna Dimberg and Magnus Essand are both from the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Professor Thomas Tüting is from the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Magdeburg.
The successful implementation of immunotherapy over the last 10 years represents a true paradigm shift in cancer treatment. We know today that tumor-reactive T cells inside tumors can be made more potent through immune checkpoint blockade (e.g.
, anti-PD1 antibodies). These special medications release the 'brakes' of the immune system that prevent T cells from attacking the tumor and can therefore significantly improve the chances of survival for many cancer patients. We also know that immune checkpoint inhibitors tend not to work when T cells are absent in tumor tissues.
Since T cells enter tumor tissues from the circulation, the tumor vasculature plays an important role in their recruitment. In this process, endothelial cells that form the vasculature interact in a reciprocal manner with immune cells. Together, they shape the composition and functio.