Margaux Bauwens

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is frequently associated with a ‘cold’ tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by limited immune infiltration and strong immunosuppressive signaling. Multiple cell types including Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and tumor-associated macrophages suppress effector T and NK cell activity, enabling tumor immune evasion. This immunosuppressive environment contributes to the limited response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitors. To counteract this, we propose to reprogram Tregs using CRISPR-Cas technology, delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). This reprogramming will reshape the TME into a more immunologically ‘hot’ and therapy-responsive state. Given the complexity of LNP compositions and the limited understanding of their impact on delivery, rational design procedures are required. Therefore, our goal is to establish novel strategies by integrating single-cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics with mRNA barcoding. This combined approach will enable the development of targeted, ethical, cost-efficient, and time-efficient LNP formulations for precision CRISPR (and other therapeutic) delivery.
 

• Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Certificate Honours programme in Life Sciences: ‘breaking frontiers’
• Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Scienes - Drug Development
   

• Lab address: Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B - 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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• Margaux Bauwens is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks