Identifying novel activators of ILC2s in melanoma – ILVIDENT

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) represent a relatively recently discovered population of immune cells involved, among other functions, in antiparasitic defense. Their role in activating antitumor immune responses has also been demonstrated. ILC2 are present in elevated numbers in barrier tissues such as the skin, where they exhibit increased expression of the IL-18 receptor.

While IL-18 produced by keratinocytes stimulates inflammatory responses, vitamin D exerts immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions in the skin. Moreover, vitamin D—whose primary source is synthesis by keratinocytes—is extensively described in the context of its antitumor activity. However, the involvement of IL-18 and the active form of vitamin D (calcitriol) in the activation of ILC2, as well as their role in melanoma pathogenesis, has not yet been investigated.

The project will involve preliminary/pilot studies aimed at characterizing ILC2 and mouse melanoma cells under stimulation with IL-18 and calcitriol. The results may contribute to a deeper understanding of immune mechanisms associated with melanoma and potentially open new therapeutic avenues for combating this cancer, to be explored in future research projects.