The expression of colorectal cancer cell adhesion molecules and their affect on anti-inflammatory immune cell function
Dr Bertus Eksteen, MRC Clinician Scientist & Honorary Consultant
University of Birmingham
Co-researchers: Mr Stephen Ward, Mr Tariq Ismail
Project Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK and accounted for 16,007 deaths in 2007. Laboratory analysis of CRC shows that some tumours have a paucity of immune cells while others have an abundance of anti-inflammatory immune cells (AIC): these are capable of disrupting the ability of our immune system to kill cancer cells. The presence of AIC correlates with worse clinical outcomes.
We propose that CRC cells manipulate their expression of adhesion molecules, which are important in attracting immune cells. These immune cells, attracted to the CRC site, may either prevent immune cells entering the tumour, allowing the tumour to escape detection, or may attract AIC to protect them from the body’s immune system.
We plan to examine if this is the case by using surplus tissue obtained at cancer surgery and measuring the patterns of expression of adhesion molecules. We will then test the functional relevance of these molecules and inhibit the relevant ones. By performing these investigations, we hope to identify molecules which can be targeted to restore the body’s own defences to fight CRC.
This page was last updated on 12-11-2010