PhD defence
Deciphering myeloid (progenitor) cell function and communication in (tumor) tissues
- X. Lei
- Date
- Tuesday 10 September 2024
- Time
- Location
-
Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden
Supervisor(s)
- Prof. dr. J.G. Borst
- dr. Y. Xiao
Summary
Dendritic cells (DC) is one of the cell types differentiated from myeloid progenitors. They are specialized in capturing and presenting antigens to T-cells, which leads to T-cell activation and differentiation. Therefore, DC are recognized as the initiators of the cancer-immunity cycle, a series of stepwise events resulting in T-cell mediated anti-cancer immune responses. However, DC alone are often not enough to prime efficient CD8+ T-cell responses in cancer patients. CD4+ T-cells can promote the functional maturation of DC, allowing them to support effective CD8+ T-cell responses. This process, known as DC licensing by CD4+ T-cell “help”. In this thesis, I describe our efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of CD4+ T-cell "help" as a critical signal that can successfully activate human classical (c)DC1. I approach this question from the perspective of both DC- and CD4+ T-cells. I also present the clinical importance of DC licensing, and delineate (pharmacological) targeting strategies for future cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, I outline our endeavour to understand myelopoiesis under stress as an integral component of our exploration into myeloid cell biology.
PhD dissertations
Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.
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General information
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