Appendix-derived pancreatic cancer-reactive T lymphocytes (APPART)
This study investigates whether the appendix contains immune cells capable of recognising and destroying pancreatic cancer cells. Pancreatic tumours suppress the immune system and generally contain few active immune cells, which helps explain their poor response to current immunotherapies.
The appendix contains immune cells that differ from those found in the blood or tumour. Researchers believe that lymph nodes around the appendix may expose these cells to proteins from pancreatic tumours, activating an immune response. Mouse studies suggest that the appendix can provide immune cells specifically directed against pancreatic cancer.
APPART examines whether these cancer-specific immune cells are also present in patients and whether they can recognise and attack tumour cells. Positive results could support the development of new forms of immunotherapy.