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Cancer cells starts as self, yet by the time they are detected they have often evolved mechanisms to evade the immune system. Which specific features immune selections acts on, and whether they are fundamental to cancer evolution is the subject of our research. We discuss two aspects where the production of nonself features is fundamental to cancer evolution: neoantigen creation through mutational processes and de-repression of nucleic acids derived from repetitive elements. We show how both species arise due to fundamental evolutionary tradeoffs which tell us about the essential role of the immune system in ensuring genome fidelity. Moreover, their understanding can help us better design emerging therapies such as anticancer vaccines.

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Benjamin Greenbaum, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Seminar Room 0.03 ETP
Contact: Matthijs Meijers