Project Summary
Increasing evidence suggests that cancer, at least in part, is an epigenetic disease. However, it remains unknown how epigenetic changes within the tumor affect its immunogenicity. Using various spontaneous tumor models and tumor-specific deletion of histone-modifying enzymes (such as histone deacetylases), we will test the hypothesis that epigenetic modifications at a gene locus encoding ligands for a well characterized activating natural killer cell receptor (NKG2D) lead to reduced NKG2D ligand expression and consequently reduced tumor elimination in vivo. Our studies may reveal novel targets to enhance immune-mediated recognition of tumors.
