Grant: Joint Canada-Israel Health Research Program

Recent results obtained in the clinic show that improving the function of the immune system, by so called "immunotherapy", can greatly improve the ability to treat cancer in humans. New drugs (such as antibodies) that block the function of certain types of receptors expressed at the surface of immune cells, such as CTLA-4 and PD-1, have been particularly effective at ameliorating the immune response against cancer. The applicants, Dr. Michal Lotem, a clinician-scientist from Israel, and Dr. André Veillette, a scientist from Canada, have obtained results identifying new potential targets for immunotherapy against cancer named SLAMF6 and 2B4. In this proposal, they describe studies aimed at understanding better the roles and mechanisms of action of SLAMF6 and 2B4 in immune cells. The knowledge gained from these studies will help determine if SLAMF6 and 2B4 are suitable targets for immunotherapy against cancer. The collaborative work between Drs. Lotem and Veillette could lead to improved treatment against cancer in the future.