Immunotherapy and Tumor Microenvironment Network

Our Mission:

• Showcase current research in tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy at LU.
• Promote interaction and collaboration among research groups in the network.
• Drive excellence in TME and immunotherapy research through joint funding opportunities.

The tumor microenvironment is the intricate ecosystem surrounding a tumor. It's composed of various immune and stromal cells and non-cellular components like the extracellular matrix, metabolites, and more. This environment plays a crucial role in tumor development and offers significant opportunities for new cancer treatments, including immunotherapy, by regulating the tumor microenvironment. 

Immunotherapy harnesses the body's own immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapies based on antibodies are now well established with the checkpoint inhibitors designed to release the "brakes" tumors use to evade the immune system. The field is now rapidly advancing, bringing forward novel targets, combinations as well as new platforms, such as ATMP (Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products) including cell-based therapies like CAR-T and CAR NK, which are now entering clinical practice.

The LUCC Immunotherapy and Tumor Microenvironment Network currently has >150 members, across three faculties, after merging the former LUCC networks for Tumor Immunology, Microenvironment and Metastasis, and the Immunotherapy theme (LITENING). We welcome all employees at LU with a research interest in tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. 

As a network, we are working together to organize seminars and retreats in line with our mission. Network members' input on activities and help in organizing events is highly appreciated. Contact any of the network leaders if you would like to contribute more.