Harnessing Gamma-Delta T Cells for Cancer Therapy

This proposal investigates how the immune system recognises infected and cancerous cells through interactions between gamma-delta (?d) T cells and small, phosphorylated antigen metabolites sensed by butyrophilin (BTN) complexes. The research aims to generate innovative tools that will assist in uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind ?d T-cell activation and BTN complex function in stressed cells by studying their structural dynamics. Additionally, it explores novel therapeutic strategies involving engineered bacteria to modify the tumor microbiome. These findings are expected to pave the way for innovative immunotherapies targeting cancer and infectious diseases.