Cancer Center Amsterdam

Glyco-immunology group

At the Cancer Center Amsterdam, our research group is dedicated to understanding how tumor cell glycosylation shapes tumor biology and modulates anti-tumor immunity. We aim to unravel the molecular mechanisms by which glycan structures on tumor cells influence tumor growth, differentiation, and interactions with the immune system. Additionally, we investigate how glycan-binding receptors within the immune system decode glycan signals and how this knowledge can be used to improve immunotherapeutic strategies.

Sandra van Vliet

1. The Role of Tumor Cell Glycosylation in Tumor Biology and Anti-Tumor Immunity
Cellular glycosylation is a dynamic process, responsive to cellular activation, inflammation, and oncogenic transformation. While the diversity of cell surface glycans has been recognized for decades, the mechanisms underlying glycan heterogeneity and its impact on tumor cell behavior and immune recognition remain poorly understood. To address these knowledge gaps, we employ CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering to create isogenic tumor glycovariant cell lines and organoids. Our research focuses on assessing how alterations in tumor cell glycosylation affect tumor growth, cancer cell differentiation, and interaction with immune cells, mainly in colorectal cancer. Particularly, we investigate how the tumor glyco-code influences anti-tumor immune responses and efficacy of immunotherapy.

2. Molecular Recognition and Signaling of Lectin Receptors in the Immune System
The immune system relies on specific glycan-binding receptors, such as C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) and Siglecs, to interpret glycan motifs on cells. These receptors play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance between immunity and tolerance. Notably, several CLRs and Siglecs are able to induce a tolerogenic phenotype in antigen-presenting cells (APCs), thereby dampening immune responses against tumors. Our group studies, at the molecular level, how different glycan ligands modulate lectin receptor signaling and reprogramming of APCs. Furthermore, we design targeted molecules to modulate lectin function, with the ultimate goal of fine-tuning or enhancing immune responses in cancer.

Group members

Key publications

View the publications of the Glyco-immunology group at Pubmed.

Contact information

s.vanvliet@amsterdamumc.nl
020-444 8080

Keywords

Tumor immunology | glycosylation | colorectal cancer | Tumor biology