Lymphocyte mechano-regulation for immunotherapies
In person only
In the dynamic field of biomedical engineering and immunotherapy, my recent research unveils the intricate relationship between mechanical forces and immune cell activation, bridging the realms of biology and immunotherapy. This study aims to unearth innovative pathways for adoptive immunotherapies, emphasizing the role of biomedical and mechanobiological insights in broadening our understanding.

The core focus lies in decoding the mechanobiological pathways governing T cell and B cell activation. It explores the interplay between external mechanical cues and the immune cell activation process, with a nod to biomedical concepts for fresh perspectives. In my presentation I will focus on links between mechanical cues, gene expression profiles, and the spatial organization of genomic loci and transcripts within immune cells. Combining optical super-resolution imaging, traction force and molecular force microscopy with functional read-outs – such as single cell transcriptomics and mitochondrial activity – opens possibilities for quality control in chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, with potential applications in clinical contexts.

This interdisciplinary approach holds the potential to revolutionize adoptive immunotherapies, incorporating insights from biomedical and life sciences.
Date: 25 March 2024, 12:00
Venue: Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Headington OX3 7FY
Venue Details: Bernard Sunley Lecture Theatre
Speaker: Dr Enrico Klotzsch (Humboldt Universität zu Berlin)
Organising department: Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)
Organiser: Doris Chan (Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology)
Organiser contact email address: doris.chan@kennedy.ox.ac.uk
Host: Professor Marco Fritszche (Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology)
Part of: Kennedy Institute Seminars
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Doris Chan