This research project will study the role of NKR-P1A:LLT1 interactions in the regulation of immune responses in colorectal cancer (CRC). NKR-P1A is an inhibitory receptor expressed on a number of innate and adaptive immune cell types. When engaged by its ligand lectin-like transcript 1 (LLT1) protein on tumour cells, NKR-P1A signals inhibit immune cell activity. Suppression of immune functions is commonly observed in CRC patients but the mechanisms are not fully understood. A better understanding of the immunological processes in CRC will enable development of novel disease biomarkers and immune-based therapies.

This project will reveal the impact of NKR-P1A:LLT1 interactions in immune suppression and the potential application for NKR-P1A and LLT1 expression analysis in the peripheral blood and in the tumour microenvironment as a prognostic indicator in CRC.