Targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts to improve T cell function in solid tumours

Immunotherapies that improve the immune response against cancer have revolutionised therapy for a subset of patients. However many fail to respond to these therapies. In this project, we establish that a class of cells termed cancer-associated fibroblasts limit the ability of the immune system to respond to cancer. We investigate the mechanisms behind this, and identify a pathway utilising the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2, a known target of widely used anti-inflammatory drugs. Our data demonstrates that targeting this enzyme can improve the immune response and increase the effectiveness of immunotherapies, potentially improving cancer therapy.