Tumor Stroma Interactions Researcher Secures Marie Curie Fellowship for Cancer Immunotherapy Study

• Tumor Stroma Interactions
• Department of Cancer Research
• Cancer

Adriana Jou, a scientist from Brazil currently at Porto Alegre University and formerly a postdoc at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, has recently been awarded funding from the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship for her upcoming research project at the LIH. Set to begin in 2026, Adriana’s project will take place at the Tumor Stroma Interactions Group, focusing on the intricate relationship between Natural Killer (NK) cells, the microbiome, and cancer immunotherapy.

NK cells play a vital role in the body’s defense against cancer, and recent findings suggest that the microbiome significantly influences cancer treatment outcomes. This new project will delve into how these factors interact, particularly in the context of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Follicular Lymphoma —two types of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“We are excited to welcome Adriana to our team at LIH,” said Dr. Jerome Paggetti, group leader of the Tumor Stroma Interactions Group. “Her research on the interplay between NK cells and the microbiome in lymphoma patients has the potential to unlock critical insights for improving immunotherapy. Our expertise in tumor microenvironment research will provide the ideal setting for advancing this important work.

By employing single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry, Adriana will analyze NK cell composition in lymphoma patients and determine how the expression of NK cell ligands correlates with microbiome diversity. The study will identify key ligands and receptors linked to patients with low microbiome diversity, providing crucial insights into their impact on immunotherapy responses. The findings could pave the way for more precise patient risk stratification and novel therapeutic approaches.

Adriana expressed her enthusiasm for being able to conduct her research at the Tumor Stroma Interactions Group, emphasizing that the institution’s expertise will provide a strong foundation for her scientific and technical development. With this Marie Curie Fellowship, she hopes to contribute significantly to the advancement of cancer immunotherapy and patient care.