Prof. Dace Pjanova Group. Immunology & Cancer

Organisation profile

Organisation profile

Our group is committed to advancing cancer immunology research with a dynamic approach that bridges fundamental studies and clinical applications. We focus on elucidating the complexities of the tumour microenvironment and the intricacies of the immune system's role in cancer biology.

 

Our research concentrates on:

  • dissecting the functions of mononuclear phagocytes within the tumour milieu;
  • deciphering the interplay of critical immune signalling molecules such as cytokines and chemokines at both systemic and local tumour levels;
  • exploring the contribution of innate immunity to the success of cancer immunotherapies;
  • investigating the impact of immunomodulators on tumour and immune cell interactions;
  • identifying the genetic determinants of melanoma risk across a spectrum from high to low susceptibility.

 

Our previous discoveries include the immunomodulatory effects of double-stranded RNA on the immune system's response to cancer, particularly melanoma, and its potential as an antiviral agent against various viruses.

 

We:

  • implement in vitro models, like co-cultures, for cancer cells and cancer microenvironment interaction analysis;
  • use mouse models for immune stimulatory molecule analysis in vivo;
  • are making efforts towards translational research by developing tools for individualised assessment of antitumor immune response, with the ultimate goal of facilitating participation in clinical trials.

 

Our downstream analytic capabilities include:

  • flow cytometry;
  • cell sorting;
  • advanced microscopy;
  • cutting-edge sequencing techniques.

 

While our research has predominantly centred on melanoma, we are now broadening our scope to include a variety of cancers, such as breast, lung, and kidney, among others.

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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