Overcoming barriers to T cell activation, infiltration and function in tumors

Melssen, M.M. (2021)

Doctoral Thesis

A type I immune response is crucial for adequate tumor eradication by the immune system. However, tumors often gain evasion mechanisms that create barriers to the generation or effectiveness of a type I immune response. Among these barriers is the suppression of effective T cell priming and the inhibition of proper T cell infiltration and function in tumors. At present, the only therapies to target these barriers are focused on direct inhibition of T cell function by the tumor, through checkpoint molecules. These therapies are thus dependent on an existing type I response, and are generally not successful when tumors have insufficient T cells primed or infiltrated. This thesis has revealed ways to improve T cell priming and the infiltration of T cells in tumors.

• Melanoma
• Breast carcinoma
• Immunotherapy
• Peptide vaccine
• Adjuvants
• Intratumoral T cells
• Extracellular matrix
• T cell motility
• Clinical trial

• All authors: Melssen, M.M.
• Supervisor: Burg, S.H. van der
• Co-supervisor: Melief, C.J.M.; Engelhard, V.H.
• Committee: Haanen, J.B.A.G.; Gruijl, T.D. de; Debets, J.E.M.A.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2021-01-26
• ISBN (print): 9789463327213