Neutrophils are important cells in the immune system, produced in very large numbers in the bone marrow. When in circulation they patrol blood vessels and tissues seeking out sources of disease or damage to regulate inflammatory and immune responses.
However, though neutrophils are active in ovarian cancer they play a complex role - sometimes supporting tumour growth and other times fighting against it.
Irina Udalova, Professor of Molecular Immunology explained: ‘We know that neutrophils are heterogenous dynamic cells that can display both anti-tumour and pro-tumour activity, but their role in the ovarian cancer is not well understood. We teamed up with Prof Iain McNeish, Head of the Division of Cancer in Imperial College, London, to identify distinct subsets of neutrophils and their functions in the ovarian cancer, as well as their interactions with the tumour microenvironment. This is our first foray into the cancer immunology field, expedited by Sarah’s great enthusiasm and former training in the McNeish lab.
We are grateful to CRUK for funding this research and for catalysing new collaborations in cancer immunology space.’
Read the full story on the Kennedy website.