Investigating the interplay between senescence and T cell immunity

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT CANDIDATE: One of my long-standing interests is to understand the mediators of a successful antitumoral T cell response. In this application, I am proposing a series of studies where I combine my graduate study background in T cell biology with the expertise of the laboratory of my mentor Dr. Scott Lowe in in vivo cancer modeling and tumor suppression. My research in the Lowe lab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) has focused on how senescence, a common consequence of conventional anticancer therapies, affects the function of T cells. Here I am delineating a plan for transitioning to independence that will allow me to: (i) complete a set of experiments that are leading to discoveries I will be able to continue exploring as an independent investigator; (ii) Acquire a set of expertise and further develop a research line that will separate me from my present and past mentors and (iii) develop a series of professional skills needed for leading a lab. RESEARCH: Cellular senescence in cancer cells is a stress-induced program that results in stable cell cycle arrest and in secretion of a plethora of cytokines that can affect the behavior of other cells, including immune cells. Senescence has been shown to have an immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive role in different contexts. Cellular senescence is a common outcome of antitumoral therapies, yet the precise mechanisms by which senescence alters adaptive anti-tumor immune responses remain largely unexplored. This project aims at studying the functional consequences of senescence on T cells, utilizing novel model of cancer I have developed. In Aim 1, I will explore how different drivers of senescence can lead to a T cell-infiltrated or a T cell-excluded tumor microenvironment. In Aim 2 I will explore how an immunostimulatory form of senescence affects the functionality of T cells that are specific for senescent and non-senescent cancer cells. These studies will inform on how senescence can affect an antitumoral T cell response and on how to rationally design better anticancer senescence-inducing approaches. ENVIRONMENT: MSKCC provides an ideal environment for me to accomplish my training and research goals, and successfully transition to an independent faculty position at an academic institution. My mentor Dr. Lowe is a world leader in cancer biology, with a particular expertise on tumor suppressor programs, mouse models, and functional genetics. In addition, I have assembled an advisory committee of three established scientists with relevant and complementary expertise and strong commitment to mentoring (Drs. Pe’er, Rudensky, and Rosen), who will support my transition to independence by providing valuable research and career guidance. Together with the collaborative environment and broad spectrum of resources at MSKCC, this support network creates optimal conditions for the successful completion of the proposed research and career development plans.