INK4a and ARF in NK-cell senescence and leukemia

Natural Killer (NK) cells are a crucial part of our immune system. They detect and eliminate abnormal cells such as cancer cells at a very early stage. However, as we age, NK cells lose their effectiveness. This process, known as "immune aging," weakens the bodys defense mechanisms and can contribute to the development of cancer. A particularly aggressive and rare form of cancer, NK-cell leukemia, may be linked to this age- related decline in NK cell function- in this case, the NK cells not only lose their protective role but actually become cancerous themselves. There are currently few effective treatment options for this disease. This is where the newly funded research project led by Ass.Prof. Dagmar Gotthardt at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni) comes in. Her team is investigating how NK cells age, what protective mechanisms are involved, and what happens when those mechanisms fail. Using preclinical models, the researchers have already shown that aging NK cells activate specific protective genes that normally prevent transformation. If these genes are lost, NK cells may become malignant and give rise to leukemia. The goal of this project is not only to better understand how NK cells age but also to identify strategies to slow down or reverse this process. If we can keep NK cells youthful and fully functional, they could play an even greater role in future cancer immunotherapies. Moreover, this would prevent them from transforming into malignant cells. The project combines cutting-edge biomedical methods with a translational approach: novel preclinical models, analyses of human NK cells, and advanced genetic tools will help uncover new insights and potentially lay the groundwork for innovative treatment strategies. This funding strengthens a highly promising field of research at the intersection of cancer, aging, and immunology with the potential to unlock new immunotherapeutic avenues in the years to come.