Despite the emergence of innovative cancer treatments, including immunotherapy, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although some patients respond remarkably well to immunotherapy, it remains unclear why others do not benefit from this treatment. There is therefore an urgent need for more insight into the mechanisms that contribute to an effective defense against tumors. Within this context, tertiary lymphoid structures are a promising target for research, for example in lung tumors for which only limited treatment options are available.
Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLSs) are organized collections of immune cells, similar to lymph nodes, that can form in non-lymphoid tissues, such as tumors or chronically inflamed organs. Their presence in lung tumors is strongly associated with better survival and an increased chance of successful treatment, including immunotherapy. However, investigators still do not fully understand how these structures arise, which immune cells are present in them, what cell interactions take place, and how they contribute to an effective immune response. Greater insight into the dynamics of TLSs could therefore provide important tools for developing new therapies that activate the immune system in a more targeted manner.
The research group T-B cell interactions in lymphoid structures at the Center for Translational Immunology (CTI) at UMC Utrecht focuses on unraveling the interactions between T cells and B cells in lymphoid structures such as TLSs. These interactions are essential for the development of strong and long-lasting immune responses. In healthy lymph nodes, T-B cell interactions are crucial for regulating the immune system, such as the production of antibodies and the formation of memory cells. Principal investigator Theo van den Broek, MD PhD and his co-workers want to understand the extent to which similar processes take place within TLSs in tumors, and whether these structures are capable of building up an effective local immune response against cancer cells.
Figure: Simplified process of the interactions between immune cells in lymphoid structures
Theo van den Broek, MD PhD
Thanks to the proceeds from a fundraising event organized by the Rotterdam Fund Racers, which raised € 40,000 for cancer research, the researchers are able to continue and deepen this research. They will use advanced techniques to map the different immune cell types present within TLSs. In doing so, they will not only investigate which cells are present, but also how they are organized and how they communicate with each other.
Theo van den Broek explains: “With this knowledge, we hope to ultimately discover how TLSs contribute to tumor control and how we can stimulate their formation or function in patients in whom they are absent or insufficiently active. In this way, our research can contribute to improving existing therapies or developing entirely new treatment strategies that are better tailored to the functioning of the immune system within the tumor environment.”
Recently, Theo van den Broek became the coordinator of an international study group focusing on lymphoid structures, facilitated by the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS). This scientific society offers the possibility to set up a study group focused on a specific immunological topic. The aim is to stimulate and facilitate interaction between European researchers working in specific areas of immunology, thereby contributing to the creation of European platforms on a thematic basis. This study group will strengthen the European research network on lymphoid structures in immunity. Through the exchange of knowledge and expertise, the group promotes new collaborations and also supports young researchers in their careers through networking, short internships, and mentoring.
