The immune system acts as the body's defense force, protecting against threats like bacteria, viruses, and cancer. Macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a crucial role in this defense. However, cancer cells can manipulate macrophages, turning them into allies that suppress the immune response and help tumors grow. This interference makes cancer treatments less effective. This research introduces a new model that closely mimics the conditions in cancer patients, providing a better way to study macrophages in the context of cancer. Using this model, strategies can be tested to prevent macrophage suppression and improve cancer therapies, ultimately helping the immune system fight back more effectively.
Maren Pfirrmann (1995) obtained her Master's degree in Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, cum laude, at the uu77 in 2020. Receiving the Radboudumc PhD grant, Maren started in the same year with her PhD in the former Department of Tumor Immunology (now Medical BioSciences Department) at Radboudumc.