T Cell Differentiation: A maze with multiple exits - and a route to better cancer treatments
The immune system relies on various cells to fight infections, including T cells.
Naïve T cells start in a resting state, but activate when they encounter a virus or bacteria. Through a process called differentiation, they transform into different versions of themselves. This includes a variety of memory cells, that provide
protection by remembering past infections, and effector cells that divide rapidly to kill infected cells. However, this process is complicated. It is like navigating a complex maze where many factors affect the path of naïve T cells and their fate.
Understanding this process is key to tackling serious diseases like blood cancer. That is why our research is studying the characteristics of naïve T cells and how their environment and encounters lead to different differentiation outcomes.
By uncovering the best groups of naïve T cells to eliminate cancer, we can design ground-breaking therapies that harness a patient's own immune cells. In the future, this could lead to 'engineered' immune cells with enhanced cancer-fighting abilities - offering new hope for patients and their families.