Tumor stroma-derived signals impair cDC1-dependent checkpoint inhibition as a potential resistance mechanism of colorectal cancer immunotherapy

Surprisingly, the contribution of dendritic cell subsets to the CRC TME is only incompletely understood. To this end, P15 aims to analyze the function of conventional dendritic cell 1 (cDC1) subset of tissue-residing cDCs and test the hypothesis that these cells contribute significantly to the resistance to check point inhibition of microsatellite stable colorectal cancers. Specific focus will be placed on the identification of signaling networks that regulate cDC1 and that could be therapeutically targeted to enhance responsiveness to immunotherapy.