Prof. Ramon Arens receives an €50.000 Open Competition Domain Science- XS grant from NWO (The Dutch Research Council)

Our immune system protects us against diseases. A key component of this defense is the so called killer T-cells. These specialized immune cells detect and eliminate cells that are infected by viruses or have transformed into cancer cells.

Prof. Ramon Arens receives an €50.000 Open Competition Domain Science- XS grant from NWO (The Dutch Research Council)

As we age and encounter more infections, some of these T-cells accumulate and become ‘exhausted’, meaning they respond less effectively to new threats. These aged immune cells may be one reason why the risk of cancer increases with age.

In this study, we aim to investigate how the energy management (metabolism) of these cells affects their function. More importantly, we want to explore whether we can alter this. If we can rejuvenate these ‘old’ T-cells, they might regain the strength needed to better fight cancer cells.

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