SC2: The Tumour Microenvironment and Response to Cancer Immunotherapy
MONDAY, 18 NOVEMBER | MORNING, 09:00 - 12:00
ABOUT THIS COURSE:The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a complex, dynamic environment containing tumour cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), cytokines, immune cells, and stromal cells. These cell populations interact and influence each
other to help the tumour grow and suppress immune responses. As well as propagating tumour growth and spread, the TME may also influence the response to immunotherapy. In this short course we will discuss the nature of the TME and the multiple
ways in which it promotes an immunosuppressive environment. Opportunities to alter the TME in order to more effectively deliver immunotherapy will also be discussed. Finally, we will present and discuss emerging therapeutic approaches and consider
how they might be used to enhance patient outcomes.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
- Determinants of immunologically ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ TME
- Factors influencing immunosuppression in the TME
- Barriers to T cell entry
- Altering the TME to improve response to immunotherapies
- Limitations of current IO approaches
- Developing strategies and New Horizons – Immunocytokines, T-cell therapies, Innate immune approaches, targeting FcγRs
INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:
Stephen Beers, PhD, Professor, Immunology and Immunotherapy, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Sciences Unit, University of Southampton
Stephen Beers is Professor of Immunology and Immunotherapy at the Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton. He leads a research group studying antibody drugs and their mechanisms of action. The group’s research is currently
focussed on two main areas: 1) the mechanisms of action of immunomodulatory mAb, and 2) how the tumour microenvironment affects antibody effector function and how this might be manipulated to enhance patient outcomes. Their work utilises a portfolio
of complimentary models incorporating in vitro 3D modelling, appropriate in vivo model systems and primary clinical material.
Björn Frendéus, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, BioInvent International AB
Björn
Frendéus is the CSO of BioInvent, a Swedish biotech company developing therapeutic antibodies for treatment of cancer. Björn got his PhD studying innate immune responses to microbial
infection. Over the past decades he has developed a strong interest in understanding the complex biology of antibodies in relation to their targets, and applying his knowledge to develop better antibody-based medicines. Björn’s team conceived
and developed the F.I.R.S.T™ platform from which BioInvent’s lead clinical program FcgRIIB (BI-1206) has emerged, and around which BioInvent recently partnered with Pfizer to develop immunomodulatory antibodies against tumor-associated
myeloid cells to boost activity and help overcome resistance to currently available checkpoint inhibitors. Several of BioInvent´s programs, including FcgRIIB and Treg, are being co-developed with the Cancer Sciences Division in Southampton, UK, where Björn is a visiting professor. Björn chairs the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF)’s
expert review committee on Infection Biology.