ShengChun Cai

RESEARCH

T cells play a central role in cancer immunity. The spatio-temporal availability of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules contributes to the differential programming of T cells resulting in expansion and differentiation into various subsets. At present it is not known which and when costimulatory signals control the recruitment of CD4 and CD8 T cells in human lymph nodes and how these signals impact T cell (dys)function. During my PhD, I aim to dissect at a molecular and cellular level how collective co-signals are integrated to instruct the fitness of lymph node T cells. These objectives will be probed and aided by using high-dimensional cytometry and CRISPR-Cas technology. The ultimate aim is to use this knowledge to rationally improve immunotherapy of cancer.

CURRICULUM VITAE

I studied Internal Medicine at the Southern Medical University in China. During my Master studies, I main researched the Hematology diseases and I also performed internships at the Nanfang hospital, Guangzhou of China. After obtaining my Master’s degree, currently I am a PhD student in the group of Ramon Arens in November 2022.