CyTOF-based characterization and isolation of MDSC subsets

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are an unusual type of blood cell that is able to potently turn off immune responses. These cells are not normally present in healthy individuals, when a tumour is present, MDSC can block clearance of the tumour by the bodys immune defenses. A better understanding of how MDSC shut down tumour clearance would greatly improve the success of cancer treatments. Unfortunately, MDSC are difficult for scientists to study because there is currently no effective method to isolate them in pure form. The goal of this project is to design highly effective ways of isolating these cells so that they can be studied in the laboratory. The long-term goal is to understand how to turn these cells off in tumours so that a patient will be more able to fight their cancer.TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Kelly McNagny

Student:

Melina Messing

Partner:

StemCell Technologies

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program: