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  3. Halim Group

Research summary

Our team studies how the immune system interacts with cancer, focusing on a special type of immune cell called ILC2. These cells can both help and harm cancer. We use advanced tools to understand their role in cancer inflammation, aiming to discover new treatments. We specialise in imaging cancer, developing immune-targeted tools, and using single-cell technologies to study tumours.

Introduction

The immune system is intricately involved in all aspects of cancer. While many neoplastic cells are detected and eliminated by immune cells, inflammation is also a fundamental driver of tumourigenesis. Our group is interested in understanding the basic immune-regulatory mechanisms in cancer, focusing on a new type of immune-regulatory cell, called the group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2). More specifically, ILC2 are known to directly influence many pro- and anti-cancer immune pathways, making this cell a challenging but potentially important target to investigate. We are using, and developing, cutting-edge reagents to study how ILC2-driven inflammation is involved in cancer. This research will reveal potential new avenues for immunotherapy. 

Our research at the CRUK Cambridge Institute leverages our expertise in ILC biology and innate/adaptive immune crosstalk, and many of the strengths of the institute: 

  • Imaging inflammation and cancer 
  • Developing new immune-targeted reagents 
  • Single cell technologies to study the tumour niche 
  • Close interactions with Addenbrooke’s and Papworth hospital 

 

Dr Tim Halim

Junior Group Leader