Investigating the immunogenic effects of oleic acid on regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation in a patient-derived co-culture model of glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a challenging cancer to treat, largely due to certain white blood cells that can suppress the body's immune response. These cells are known as regulatory T-cells (Treg) and they can help the cancer to hide from the immune system (known as immunosuppression). 
However, it’s unclear how Treg cells survive in the nutrient-poor environment of the brain. Nutrients are crucial for energy, cell-growth, and shaping Treg cell behaviour. For example, fat (lipid) metabolism is highly active in Treg cells within tumours, more so than in other parts of the body, suggesting lipids play a role in controlling Treg cell behaviour and making lipid metabolism a potential target for GBM therapy.

Oleic acid, found in olive oil, can reduce the population of immunosuppressive Tregs in tumour models. Furthermore, a synthetic form of oleic acid, called 2-OHOA, has shown promise in early clinical trials for GBM and is currently being tested in advanced trials. While the effect of 2-OHOA on GBM cells is known, its impact on Treg cells within the tumour has not been studied. 

This PhD project aims to explore how 2-OHOA affects Treg cells in a lab-model of GBM, potentially offering a new way to counteract the immunosuppressive environment of this aggressive cancer.