We focus on immunological mechanisms involved in cancer progression and in spontaneous regression of tumors. Using animal models we study how tumor-specific immunity and tumor regression is induced naturally or how it can be induced experimentally.

MeLiM strain of minipigs with hereditary melanoma is a unique model in which after a period of tumor progression and metastasis a spontaneous tumor regression occurs leading to complete cure. Tumor regression in MeLiM is associated with infiltration of tumors with cells of the immune system, but their exact role in tumor regression is not known.

Specific aims

• Characterize dynamic changes in composition of immune cell subpopulations in blood and in tumor tissue in the course of melanoma progression and spontaneous regression
• Identify melanoma-associated antigens; characterize antigen-specific T and B cell responses in MeLiM and their role in tumor regression
• Identify possible triggers of spontaneous tumor regression in MeLiM and their link to induction of tumor-specific immune responses
• Study immune response after tumor treatment by surgical devitalization technique

Address:

ÚŽFG AV ČR, v.v.i.

Laboratory of tumour biology

Rumburská 89

277 21 Liběchov

Czech republic