Stéphanie Hugues: Unlocking immunotherapy through stromal science
We are pleased to share a recent Global ImmunoTalk featuring GCIR Professor Stéphanie Hugues, who presented her work on how the tumour microenvironment shapes anti-tumour immune responses.
Her research highlights the important and often underappreciated role of non-immune stromal cells, particularly lymphatic endothelial cells, in cancer immunity. Once considered mainly as drainage structures, lymphatic vessels are now recognised as active players in regulating immune cell behaviour within tumours.
During the talk, she discussed how lymphatic endothelial cells can influence immune responses in a context-dependent manner, either supporting or limiting anti-tumour immunity. These effects involve modulation of T cell function, immune cell trafficking, and interactions within the broader tumour ecosystem.
The seminar also emphasised the complexity of tumor–immune interactions and how stromal components can impact both disease progression and responses to immunotherapy. Understanding these mechanisms may help identify new strategies to improve cancer treatment by targeting specific elements of the tumour microenvironment.
This talk offers valuable insights into the evolving view of tumours as dynamic and highly interactive biological systems.
Watch the video!