Vidi grant for Iosifina Foskolou to improve immunotherapies

T-cells play a pivotal role in adaptive immunity, particularly in targeting and eliminating malignant and virally infected cells. T-cell-based immunotherapies harness the ability of T- cells to eradicate cancer cells, offering promising treatments for various malignancies. Among these, Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown remarkable success in treating hematological cancers. However, it faces challenges in solid tumors, partly due to metabolic and oxygen constraints found within the tumor microenvironment that impair T-cell function and persistence. 

With this innovative research project, Foskolou aims to uncover new mechanisms that regulate T-cell metabolic adaptation and apply these insights to improve immunotherapy. Her goal is to develop CAR-T-cells that are metabolically fit and effective against solid tumors. This VIDI grant aims to reveal a novel regulatory layer in T-cell biology and offer new strategies to enhance immunotherapies for solid tumors.

Novel approach

Metabolism affects chemical modifications of RNA without changing the RNA sequence itself—a process known as epitranscriptomic regulation. Through this regulation, cells control which proteins are produced, which in turn influences their metabolism. With her Vidi grant, Foskolou aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying this interplay. Ultimately, she hopes to translate these insights into genetic adaptations that help T cells remain active longer when fighting tumor cells during immunotherapy.

Talent Program

The Vidi grant is part of NWO’s Talent Program, which supports excellent researchers (up to 8 years post-PhD) with original ideas and a strong passion for challenging and pioneering research. The focus is on innovative, curiosity-driven science. With the grant of approximately €850,000, Foskolou can expand her team and establish her own research lines.