Anna Dimberg – Tumour vascular biology

The aim of our research is to understand how vessel phenotype is altered in tumours, and how the abnormal vasculature affects the tumour microenvironment and the response to different types of cancer therapy. A main interest is to investigate how differential gene expression in tumour endothelial cells affects immune response and tumour progression. The long-term goal is to identify vascular targeting strategies that can be used to improve the response to cancer therapy, including immunotherapy.

Blood vessel formation and inflammation are closely linked processes that affect the clinical outcome of several pathological conditions, including cancer. Endothelial cells, lining the inside of vessels, are central players in both these processes. They initiate the formation of new vessels after growth factor stimulation and regulate extravasation of inflammatory cells from the blood stream into the tissue. Endothelial cells also play a central role in the organization of immune hubs.

We are combining studies in human tumour tissues with experimental cancer models and in vitro cell culture assays to understand the role of the tumour vessels in organising the tumour microenvironment. Our new knowledge is used to develop new strategies to treat cancer.

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