Project B02
Microenvironmental drivers of HLA class II-positive melanoma cell states and their role in immediate therapy resistance
B02 investigates how T cell and cancer-associated fibroblast-derived factors cooperatively induce HLA class II–positive, dedifferentiated melanoma states that initiate the formation of immunosuppressive niches and foster immediate resistance to immune checkpoint blockade within the DYNAMO Window. These niches subsequently drive CD4⁺ T-cell exhaustion and regulatory T-cell differentiation. Using spatial multi-omics and complex patient-derived 3D-models, B02 defines the epigenetic and cellular programs underlying this stromal–immune crosstalk, aligned with DYNAMO’s strategy.
Project Leaders
Paschen, Annette, Prof. Dr.
Grünwald, Barbara Theresia, Prof. Dr.