Decphering the complexity of heterogenous tumor antigen expression in breast cancer and melanoma tumors

Genetic and molecular differences between tumor cells within tumors is a major factor driving resistance to all types of cancer treatment. This is also the case for immunotherapy, where tumor cells to various extend express antigens recognized by immune cells. To better understand the immune response to tumors and improve the design af cancer immunotherapy, we will analyze the expression of tumor antigens on a single cell level in cancer cell lines and patient tumors using a newly developed technique. In addition, we will examine the ability of epigenetic drugs to enhance the expression of antigens and thereby increase the ability of immune to recognize and kill cancer cells.