New Czech Science Foundation project on structural immunology of NK cell recognition
A new project, called Structural Immunology of NK Cell Recognition: From Tumour Evasion to Its Eradication, led by Ondřej Vaněk, has been awarded funding by the Czech Science Foundation (GA ČR). Running from 2025 to 2027 (Grant No. 25-18490S), this study aims to advance our understanding of NK cell-mediated immune responses at the structural level.
The project will use advanced structural biology techniques to focus on key NK cell receptors and their ligands, including NKp80:AICL, CD69:Galectin-1, Siglec-7, and NKR-P1C. Our researchers will characterise these protein interactions, identify unknown ligands, and determine their roles in tumour recognition versus immune evasion. Additionally, the study will explore microbial immune evasion mechanisms linked to Fusobacterium nucleatum and tumourigenesis.
This research is expected to contribute to the rational design of novel immunotherapies, such as bispecific killer engagers and CAR-NK cells, enhancing their efficacy in targeting resistant cancers.