Working Groups
WG1 Standardization of ILC phenotypic identification
Objectives
• Collecting and critically evaluating data on the phenotypic characterization of ILC in various mouse and human tissues
• Reaching a consensus on the phenotypic characterization of ILC
In order to enable comparison between different research groups that investigate ILC, and for the benefit of utilizing ILC as specific immune indicators for cancer development, WG1 activities will result in the development of uniform and standardized panels for phenotypic identification of ILC according to the personal research experience of the participants and the existing literature data. Flow cytometry data across various tissues will be harmonized and systematized in the form of ILC Atlas, an open-access repository. A uniform ILC phenotypic identification will enable creation of upgraded antibody panels in cooperation with R&D companies. Application of panels for ILC identification will not only facilitate data comparison but also reduce redundant studies and improve the possibility of translation of animal cancer research to human settings. This will pave the way for clinical trials, ultimately benefiting cancer patients and reducing the costs associated with their usually long-term treatment.
WG2 Standardization of ILC isolation and propagation protocols
Objectives
• Collecting and critically evaluating data on the ILC isolation from various mice and human tissues
• Reaching a consensus on the minimal surface markers necessary for successful and pure ILC isolation
• Reaching a consensus on optimal ILC propagation conditions in 2D and 3D cultures
WG2 will systematize the existing protocols for ILC isolation/enrichment and propagation primarily from blood, but also from other accessible tissues rich in ILC such as animal lungs, intestines and tumors, and human tonsils and intestinal biopsies. ILCquest will pioneer the development of ILC isolation protocols for human tumors, a previously unaddressed area of research. By integrating this new knowledge with the expertise in organoid/spheroid culture, the modelling of cancer environments will be enabled (in silico and in vitro). This approach will advance the testing of ILC-based cancer therapeutics. ILCquest participants will reach consensus on the optimal conditions for ILC isolation and propagation and suggest standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each tissue of interest, and design toolkits for possible commercialization.
WG3 Prognostic and therapeutic exploitation of ILC in cancer
Objectives
• Collecting and critically evaluating data on existing published results on the correlation of ILC with cancer severity or development
• Collecting and critically evaluating data on the ILC as a druggable target for cancer
• Discovery and testing of new potential ILC-based drugs in animal models/organoids
• Planning a clinical trial on ILC prognostic value
WG3 will systematize existing knowledge and provide statistical analysis and mathematical modelling of data, leading to predictions regarding the quantitative and qualitative assessment of specific blood ILC. Combined with the standardized identification markers, these results will support the use of ILC as prognostic bioindicators for cancer progression, encouraging clinical oncologists to initiate studies on ILC. Further, in silico predictive analysis using computational models will identify known and derive new compounds that can modulate specific ILC populations. Recommended drugs will be tested on tumor organoids and spheroids in vitro, with promising lead compounds evaluated in cancer animal models, thereby minimizing animal use in research. This WG will move forward the field of cancer prognosis and treatment through discovery of novel ILC-related biomarkers and therapeutic options.
WG4 Networking, training and mobility
Objectives
• Creating a secure communication channel for networking
• Establishing the European ILC Network
• Ensuring adequate expertise development especially towards ECIs, innovators and clinical practitioners
Establishment of the European ILC Network as formal entity will aid communication of ILC-related results and perspectives even beyond the project lifetime. The Network will also aim to expand globally, beyond participants from Europe, China and Japan that are already involved in the ILCquest, achieving a long-term goal of establishing formal International ILC Society. Networking through in person meetings and online will facilitate the creation of consortia of participants with the matching expertise that will apply for grants provided by Horizon Europe (HE) and other funding bodies to finance the research activities. The global perspective outlook on new cancer treatments will be increasingly shifted towards ILC by cultivating a new generation of researchers proficient in ILC biology. These training initiatives will also strengthen the management skills of ECIs, equipping them for leadership positions. To inspire ECIs to pursue scientific careers in ILC and cancer, ILCquest will provide opportunities for mobility and collaboration with renowned research institutes through COST and other HE initiatives.
WG5 Dissemination and communication
Objectives
• Guaranteeing the widest dissemination of the knowledge gathered within the Action to the scientific community
• Communicating the Action findings to the target patient groups and larger public
• Communicating the Action results to the industry, policy makers and regulatory bodies
In addition to the usual dissemination and communication tools used for reaching scientific peers (biannual WG meetings, conferences, publications, social networks and website), ILCquest will promote the results of the Action through the ILC Atlas (archived in one of the indicated repositories) and submit an improved panel of identification markers for human ILC to Human Cell Atlas (https://www.humancellatlas.org/) to ensure wider dissemination. The potential of ILCquest results commercialization will be explored during the dedicated meetings with R&D, Pharma and Biotech companies. The exchange in knowledge about ILC coming from different areas (research, clinic, pharmacology) will facilitate developing new research agendas, primarily in cancer prediction and treatment, which will be discussed with the European Medicine Agency (EMA) and the local Committees for National Guidelines and Ministries of Health of each country participant. Cancer patients will be involved through promotional material, dedicated meetings and through the capacity of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) for information dissemination. Patients’ opinion and awareness of new ILC-related cancer therapies will be assessed through a web-based survey. General public will be informed via social networks and during outreach events such as Researcher’s nights and Science Fairs trough COST and other HE initiatives.
