Identification of siglec counterreceptors on cancer cells by flow cytometry and proximity labelling methodologies

Recently there have been major advances in developing new immunotherapies to treat cancer. These therapies work by blocking molecules on immune cells, called ‘checkpoint inhibitors’ that normally prevent the immune system from killing cancer cells. Our laboratory has discovered a new type of immune checkpoint inhibitor called ‘Siglecs’, but the molecules recognised on cancer cells by Siglecs are not known. This project will aim to identify these molecules. This will be an important step for devising new therapies which are able to block Siglec interactions and help the immune system to eradicate cancer.