Project description
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a malignancy of viral or non-viral etiology, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its incidence has doubled over the last three decades in Western countries, probably due to the increasing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and associated nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). While some HCC patients benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy, the majority of patients (~75%), particularly those with NASH-HCC, do not respond for unknown reasons. We recently used a multi-omics approach to characterize the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of HCC patients. Our results revealed a subtype of immunosuppressive myeloid cells, characterized by dual expression of genes affiliated to granulocytes and macrophages and enriched in the steatosis setting. These cells, marked by the expression of the inflammatory receptor TREM1, inhibit antitumor immunity, and predict a poor prognosis.
The objectives of this PhD project are therefore to:
• Characterize the mechanisms of their emergence
• Identify the metabolic and inflammatory factors in the steatosis environment leading to their expansion.
• Elucidate the functional link between TREM1 signaling and its pro-tumoral and immunosuppressive functions.
• Test newly developed immunotherapies targeting TREM1 to treat NASH-HCC
Start date
2024 Winter
Research fields
- Immunology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
Research Supervisor
- Dr. Maya Saleh, INRS professor
Study Program
This project will be conducted as part of a PhD in Biology doctorat en biologie or Immunology doctorat en virologie et immunologie.
Requirements
Hold a master’s degree in immunology, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related field. Be open to collaborating with an interdisciplinary team and working in different areas of research.· Have a curious, resourceful and autonomous mind.
Knowledge or experience in some or all of the following areas would be an asset:
- Cellular and molecular biology
- Animal handling
- Flow cytometry
- Immunofluorescence
- Bioinformatics
Financial support
INRS offers attractive scholarships. Each student benefits from financial support during their graduate studies.
Location
Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie
531, boulevard des Prairies
Laval (Québec) H7V 1B7
Submission of application
Interested candidates can submit their applicant by using the online form below.
Please include:
- a cover letter indicating your interest.
- a detailed CV.
- a record of all your academic results.
- contact information for three people who can provide letters of recommendation
We encourage women, visible minorities, ethnic minorities, Indigenous people and people with disabilities to apply.