PhD position available – exosome regulation of chemokine levels in the tumour microenvironment

Background

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) represents the most frequent leukemia in adults. Despite recent advances in treatments, CLL remains a deadly incurable disease. This cancer is characterized by an accumulation of abnormal, apoptosis-resistant B lymphocytes in the blood and lymphoid organs of the patients. CLL progression is highly dependent on complex interactions between tumour cells and their microenvironment. Indeed, CLL cells can modify stromal cells and immune cells, among others through the expression of chemo-attractant cytokines, i.e. chemokines to promote their survival and to escape the immune surveillance.

Objectives

Our team focuses on the mechanisms leading to leukemia progression, in particular the influence of exosomes, chemokines and atypical chemokine receptors on CLL cells as well as on stromal cells and immune cells located in their microenvironment, with the goal to identify novel regulatory pathways and new therapeutic targets.

Training and research environment

The candidate will be integrated in dynamic and multinational teams. The  Department of Cancer Research and Department of Infection and Immunity whose research activities focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumour progression and inflammatory diseases using a wide range of cutting edge technologies, including genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, as well as in vitro and in vivo imaging modalities using state-of-the-art animal models for cancer and immunology research. PhD student will be in charge of a TELEVIE funded project that aims to explore the complex role of exosomes in the regulation of chemokine levels in the tumour microenvironment. The candidate will be co-supervised by Dr A. Chevigné, Dr J. Paggetti and Dr M. Szpakowska and will be registered at the University of Luxembourg.