Research Anne Adams

Abstract

Chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) are among the most prevalent hematological malignancies, but remain incurable despite recent therapeutic advances. They are defined by a progressive expansion of mature clonal B cells. A striking feature of both diseases is their strong dependence on microenvironmental interactions that promote the survival and immune escape of malignant B cells. Remarkably, B-cell clones with typical features of CLL and FL are frequently found in asymptomatic individuals, but the factors that control progression of these premalignant clones to overt CLL or FL remain unknown. We propose a novel hypothesis whereby aberrant crosstalk between conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and T cells underlies clonal progression of premalignant B cells, and constitutes a shared pathogenic mechanism in CLL and FL. In this project, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the cellular and molecular interactions in the immune environment at different stages of disease, using a single-cell and spatial transcriptomics approach. We will apply computational methods to identify alterations in T cells and/ or cDCs that drive disease progression, and validate key findings through ex vivo assays of T cell and cDC function and using innovative in vivo mouse models of CLL and FL. A better understanding of the immune alterations in these patients may benefit the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Adams Anne
• Fellow: Vanderkerken Matthias

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

YUFE4Postdocs (Y4P) is an an innovative training programme developed by the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) Alliance in the context of its R&I agenda. Two calls aim for the appointment of 51 researchers in nine YUFE universities. Postdocs can freely define their project connected to Urban opportunities and challenges, in one of the 4 focus areas: sustainability; digital societies; citizen's wellbeing; and European identities. As important components of community engagement, interaction with stakeholders runs as a red thread through the programme. Stakeholder interaction is manifested within the selection procedure, research execution and in the structured training. The selection process pilots a novel approach assessing applicants on a broader and qualitative set of selection criteria, including stakeholder representatives. Incoming postdocs in a YUFE Host University spend a flexible 6 months stay in a YUFE partner university with the objective to set up or develop research collaboration. Additionally they can undertake an intersectoral secondment in a public or business context: nineteen city and business organizations involved in the programme can assist with this through their network of members and partners. The Y4P Training programme contains a solid pillar on stakeholder development, and a varied offer of training sessions jointly offered by the partner universities, routed in the DIOSI and Inno4YUFE projects. As such Y4P aims to (1) empower future proof researchers, skilled to work in interdisciplinary environments, together with stakeholders; (2) set a standard for a next generation research training; (3) foster bilateral and multilateral collaboration across the Alliance and (4) support the development of a true European (research) University.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Engels Tim
• Co-promoter: Adams Anne

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project