About
The malignant transformation of cells translates into a major worldwide health, social and economic burden. Efforts to define the etiology of cancer, along with the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat them, would greatly improve the quality of life for millions of people. Since its discovery, the host response to microorganisms has been central to the pathogenesis of malignancies. Emerging data related to microbiota, tumor pathogenesis and response to treatment have only reinforced this strong connection and future highlights the study of cancer being relevant to the core mission of the Institut Pasteur.
Pioneering work from molecular biologists and virologists at the Institut Pasteur led to a better understanding of the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying microbe-induced cellular transformation, as well as the development of vaccine-based approaches to treat cancers. Microorganisms may also be used as therapy in the setting of cancer.
Following in the footsteps of these seminal contributions, a top priority of the immunology department and the Institut Pasteur is to pursue and further develop its research activities in the fields of immunology and cancer with the aim of gaining a comprehensive understanding of neoplastic disorders in the context of lymphoid development and cancers, immune response to tumor cells, host-tumor interactions, microbiota and cancer and immunotherapy.
This think tank is meant to highlight and stimulate cancer-related activities within and outside the department and convey our readiness to participate in an institution-wide effort to strengthen our position internationally.
Please contact Ludovic Deriano (lderiano@pasteur.fr) if you wish to participate in the Institut Pasteur Cancer Think Tank.