Regulation of T lymphocyte function in tumors
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Group Leader Pierre van der Bruggen Contact Pierre van der Bruggen de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research GECE 74.59, 74 avenue Hippocrate B-1200 Brussels phone (direct) : 32 (0)2 764 74 31 fax : 32 (0)2 792 94 05 e-mail: Pierre van der Bruggen Group members > |
Research topics
Regulation of T lymphocyte function in tumors We have recently discovered a new type of anergy of human CD8 T cells, which is observed on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. We are analyzing the mechanism of this type of anergy and we look for agents that reverse this anergy. The analysis of the T cell responses of melanoma patients vaccinated against tumor antigens has led us to consider the possibility that the limiting factor for therapeutic success is not the intensity of the anti-vaccine response but the degree of anergy presented by intratumoral lymphocytes. We therefore intend to pursue clinical trials involving the use of these agents in combination with anti-tumoral vaccination.
Selected publications
Demotte N., Stroobant V., Courtoy P.J., Van der Smissen P., Colau D., Luescher I.F., Hivroz C., Nicaise J., Squifflet J.-L., Mourad M., Godelaine D., Boon T. and van der Bruggen P. 2008. Restoring the association of the T cell receptor with CD8 reverses anergy in human tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Immunity, 28: 414-424.
Lurquin C., Lethé B., Corbière V., Théate I., van Baren N., Coulie P.G. and Boon T. 2005. Contrasting frequencies of anti-tumor and anti-vaccine T cells in metastases of a melanoma patient vaccinated with a MAGE tumor antigen. J. Exp. Med., 201: 249-257.
