Program Overview

PhD Program in Cancer Biology

The Institute of Cancer Research offers a PhD program in Cancer Biology, providing students with the opportunity to conduct research in a world-renowned institution.

Program Overview

The program aims to understand the role of early plasma cell infiltration in breast cancer immune responses, investigating whether these cells promote immune tolerance or represent failed immune surveillance during the earliest stages of malignant transformation.

Research Areas

• Breast Cancer Research
• Cancer Biology
• Cancer Therapeutics
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Clinical Studies
• Genetics and Epidemiology
• Radiotherapy and Imaging
• Structural Biology

Program Details

Project Background

The BRCA1/p53-deficient (BP) in vivo cancer model closely recapitulates human hereditary breast cancer development, progressing from normal mammary tissue through ductal atypia to invasive cancer.

Project Aims

1. Characterise the temporal dynamics and functional impact of early plasma cell infiltration during breast cancer development.
2. Investigate the role of CAF-derived STING/type I IFN signalling in establishing plasma cell niches.
3. Determine the functional consequences of early plasma cell presence.

Further Details and Requirements

• Research Proposal: This project aims to understand the role of early plasma cell infiltration in breast cancer immune responses.
• Candidate Profile: Candidates must have, or be on track to receive, a First- or Upper Second-class Honours degree (or a Masters) in Biological Science and have experience in Cancer Biology.
• Literature References: ARWERT, E. N., et al. (2020). STING and IRF3 in stromal fibroblasts enable sensing of genomic stress in cancer cells to undermine oncolytic viral therapy. Nat Cell Biol, 22, 758-766.

Expected Outcomes

1. Temporal framework establishing when and how plasma cells are recruited during early breast cancer development.
2. Mechanistic understanding of STING pathway requirements for plasma cell recruitment.
3. Functional characterisation determining whether plasma cells promote immune tolerance or represent failed surveillance attempts.
4. Therapeutic targets for preventing tolerance establishment through modulation of plasma cell recruitment pathways.
5. Translational insights with potential relevance to human breast cancer prevention and early intervention strategies.

Computational Analysis

Working in collaboration with Dr Syed Haider's team, the student will analyse spatial transcriptomics data to identify neighbourhood relationships between plasma cells, CAFs, and T cells. Machine learning approaches will identify gene expression signatures predictive of immune tolerance establishment.