Alyssa Cnudde

The Thoracic Tumor Immunology Laboratory (TTIL) is dedicated to advancing cancer research by integrating fundamental, translational, and clinical studies in the immunology and immunotherapy of thoracic tumors, particularly lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Our research focuses on understanding the complex interactions between lung cancer and the immune system, with an emphasis on dendritic cells (DCs)—key regulators of immune responses.

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, offering unprecedented clinical benefits. In solid tumors, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have reshaped the therapeutic landscape by overcoming inhibitory signals that suppress T-cell activation (CTLA-4 axis) and effector function (PD-1/PD-L1 axis). ICIs, whether administered alone or in combination, have demonstrated remarkable and, in some cases, durable responses in patients with aggressive metastatic cancers such as lung cancer.

However, two significant challenges persist: therapy-resistant (cold) tumors that fail to respond to ICIs and the systemic toxicity associated with these ICIs. To address resistance, we are investigating immunostimulatory DC vaccines, generated ex vivo from patient blood. While these vaccines are safe, their efficacy alone is limited. Current studies explore combining DC vaccines with ICIs, aiming for synergy but reintroducing systemic toxicity.

My research at TTIL tackles both challenges using our expertise in mRNA design and in vitro synthesis. The goal is to develop mRNA constructs that enhance anti-tumoral T-cell priming in a controlled, localized manner, ensuring immune activation occurs only when and where needed. This approach holds great potential for optimizing immunotherapy, minimizing adverse effects, and improving patient outcomes. 
 

• Lab address: campus UZ Gent, MRB2 (entrance 38), Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent
• Alyssa Cnudde is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks