Role of long non-coding RNA in tumour-associated macrophage polarization

Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major component of the tumour microenvironment and can be classified according to their major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) expression in MHC-IIlow and MHC-IIhigh macrophages, having opposite effects on tumour growth. Since MHC-IIlow TAMs highly express pro-angiogenic factors and immune suppressive molecules which promote tumour progression, specific targeting of MHC-IIlow TAMs or repolarization to MHC-IIhigh TAMs are promising strategies to improve the response to cancer therapies and prevent relapse and therapy resistance. LncRNAs are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides lacking coding potential. They have been implicated in many developmental pathways and because of their highly tissue- and cell-specificity they are considered as excellent biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. Recent studies have shown that several lncRNAs have a role in regulating cancer immunity. However, their role in tumour-associated macrophages remains unclear. The aim of my PhD project will be to identify and study lncRNAs regulating TAM biology. The results of my study may bring to the identification of novel therapeutic opportunities.