MIMIC | Deciphering how microbiota modulate anti-tumor immune responses in checkpoint therapy

Summary
Microbiota has a major impact on anti-tumor immune responses and efficacy of anticancer treatments. These effects are thought to be mediated by modulation of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. These include immunosuppressive macrophages that differentiate from inflammatory monocytes recruited to the tumor. However, what microbiota-derived products are required for efficient anti-tumoral responses is still unclear. We have recently identified the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) as a key suppressor of monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. AhR is a ligand-activated transcription factor sensing metabolites derived mainly from dietary intake and microbiota metabolism. Based on our previous work, we hypothesize that AhR is involved in the modulation of anti-tumoral responses by the microbiota, via the regulation of immune cells differentiation or function. The objective of the project is to address whether AhR ligands mediate the impact of microbiota on anti-tumor responses in anti-checkpoint therapy and to determine the cellular mechanisms involved. To address it, we will analyse anti-tumor immune responses in groups of mice with normal or altered microbiota, treated or not with anticheckpoint therapy, fed with a control diet or supplemented for AhR ligands. We will combine two complimentary approaches, employing antibiotics to deplete the microbiota or using germfree mice. The efficacy of immunotherapies using checkpoint inhibitors is greatly reduced in patients who receive antibiotics. This is a major issue as antibiotics are commonly prescribed to prevent or treat infections in cancer patients, who may be vulnerable. This research project will provide critical novel insight into the complex interplay between microbiota and anti-tumor immune responses. Results from this project will be instrumental in designing novel strategies for improving anti-tumoral immunotherapies.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/842535
Start date: 01-04-2020
End date: 31-03-2022
Total budget - Public funding: 184 707,84 Euro - 184 707,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

Microbiota has a major impact on anti-tumor immune responses and efficacy of anticancer treatments. These effects are thought to be mediated by modulation of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. These include immunosuppressive macrophages that differentiate from inflammatory monocytes recruited to the tumor. However, what microbiota-derived products are required for efficient anti-tumoral responses is still unclear. We have recently identified the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) as a key suppressor of monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. AhR is a ligand-activated transcription factor sensing metabolites derived mainly from dietary intake and microbiota metabolism. Based on our previous work, we hypothesize that AhR is involved in the modulation of anti-tumoral responses by the microbiota, via the regulation of immune cells differentiation or function. The objective of the project is to address whether AhR ligands mediate the impact of microbiota on anti-tumor responses in anti-checkpoint therapy and to determine the cellular mechanisms involved. To address it, we will analyse anti-tumor immune responses in groups of mice with normal or altered microbiota, treated or not with anticheckpoint therapy, fed with a control diet or supplemented for AhR ligands. We will combine two complimentary approaches, employing antibiotics to deplete the microbiota or using germfree mice. The efficacy of immunotherapies using checkpoint inhibitors is greatly reduced in patients who receive antibiotics. This is a major issue as antibiotics are commonly prescribed to prevent or treat infections in cancer patients, who may be vulnerable. This research project will provide critical novel insight into the complex interplay between microbiota and anti-tumor immune responses. Results from this project will be instrumental in designing novel strategies for improving anti-tumoral immunotherapies.

Status

CLOSED

Call topic

MSCA-IF-2018

Update Date

28-04-2024
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Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE
H2020-EU.1.3. EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
H2020-EU.1.3.2. Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
H2020-MSCA-IF-2018
MSCA-IF-2018