This project will investigate a new class of targeted drugs called Smac-mimetics. These drugs are proving extremely effective in promoting the death of cancer cells. Here, we aim to better understand how Smac-mimetics work as a cancer therapeutic and how they promote immune responses to cancer. This will enable us to identify combination therapies that elicit both death of the cancer cell and stimulate the immune system to promote tumour clearance.
Targeting Immune Suppressive Neutrophils To Improve Cancer Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Australia. Despite the recent successes of cancer immunotherapies, there is an unmet need to overcome primary unresponsiveness and acquired resistance. Today mounting evidence has accumulated that neutrophils contribute to therapy resistance by fostering tumour blood supply and an immune suppressive microenvironment. The central aim of this project is, to improve cancer immunotherapy by blocking an immune suppressive neutrophil response.