Experimental oncology
Lymphoid Stromal Cell Biology
In the lymph nodes, stromal cells, also known as fibroblastic reticular cells, form a three-dimensional cellular network that structurally supports the migration and locomotion of immune cells. Stromal cells also secrete factors that promote the survival, activation and proliferation of immune cells. Although considered passive inhabitants of lymphoid tissues, stromal cells have been rediscovered in recent years as critical pillars of the lymphoid microenvironment and regulators of immune responses. We are interested in studying the biology of stromal cells and elucidating the mechanisms underlying the formation and reprogramming of the stromal microenvironment in physiology and cancer.
Research activity
- Ontogeny of lymphoid organ stromal cells. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) of lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes play a critical role in tissue homeostasis and immune functions by providing structural support and molecular signaling for immune cell positioning, survival and proliferation, and extracellular matrix deposition. These cells, known as stromal cells, play crucial roles in regulating the adaptive immune response. Our aim is to investigate the developmental origins, differentiation pathways and molecular determinants underlying the acquisition of stromal diversity in secondary lymphoid organs using mouse genetics in conjunction with omics approaches and high-resolution imaging.
- Molecular reprogramming of lymphoid organ stromal cells. Tumor-stroma interactions in the hematologic cancer ecosystem promote stromal reprogramming and are the basis for cancer proliferation, survival and drug resistance. Our aim is to study the evolution of the different stromal cell subsets during tumor development at the molecular level and to identify the signals involved in the reprogramming of the stromal microenvironment by tumor cells. To this end, we use transcriptomic, epigenetic and proteomic approaches and target them using preclinical models and dynamic 3D in vitro culture systems.
- Development of artificial lymphoid microenvironments. We use the principles of lymphoid organogenesis to develop immune niches for in vivo and in vitro applications in cancer. We have combined the tools of developmental biology, bioengineering and immunology to generate transplantable immune niches for the regeneration of lymphatic and immune functions in vivo and to develop humanized lymph node-like microenvironment to study tumor-stroma interactions.
