New fellowship to further cancer research

A cancer scientist at the University of Southampton has been awarded a John Goldman Fellowship to further his research.

Dr Matthew Blunt, who has been awarded the Fellowship by cancer charity Leauka, will use unique technologies developed in Southampton to investigate the role of the gene KIR2DS2 in natural killer (NK) cells recognition of malignant B cells.

NK cells are a type of lymphocyte (a white blood cell) and a component of innate immune system. NK cells play a major role in the host-rejection of both tumours and virally infected cells.

Expression of KIR2DS2 on donor cells during transplantation has been shown to significantly improve progression free survival of patients with leukaemia.

Dr Blunt said: “Explanation of the ligand for KIR2DS2 may allow for improved selection of donors and patients in the transplantation setting for leukaemia treatment. In addition, the development of a novel means with which to stimulate NK cells via KIR2DS2 has the potential to become a first-in class therapeutic agent for leukaemia.

“This work will lead to an increased understanding of how immune cells target leukemic cells.”