Tumour cells can affect immune cells in the body so that the tumour is not attacked by the immune defence. In a new research paper from IGP, the researchers show that some types of immune cells are more common in more aggressive tumours of the cancer form mantle cell lymphoma. The findings suggest a possibility to develop drugs that can improve the prognosis for mantle cell lymphoma patients.

Using oncolytic viruses is a new strategy for cancer immunotherapy. To enhance the therapeutic effect the viruses can be modified with immunostimulatory factors. A study from IGP shows that the effect of such factors depends on the kind of oncolytic virus that is modified. To achieve the desired therapeutic benefits, careful consideration is therefore needed when choosing the virus. The study has been published in the journal Molecular Therapy Oncolytics.

Treatment of the eye disease, retinopathy, aims to reduce the formation of blood vessels in the retina of the eye. To reduce unwanted side effects of such treatments, researchers in Lena Claesson-Welsh’s research group have tested to inhibit the enzyme eNOS and found a reduced formation of dysfunctional vessels in mice with retinopathy while the healthy vasculature in the retina was preserved. The study highlights the importance of targeted approaches in medicine.