Evangelia Rakou

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
• Investigating the potential benefits of Vitamin D, C and zinc treatments in T-cell based cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an exciting area of cancer research that is changing the way we think about cancer treatment. It works by using the innate ability of our immune system to fight cancer. Substances like cytokines or hormones can be used to enhance the overall immune response, and as a result to kill cancer cells. In this project, we examined the potential of Vitamin D, C and zinc to activate T cells and therefore, to enhance cancer cell killing. The role of Vitamin D, C and zinc in immune health and the positive response to cancer treatment are well established, and indeed deficiencies of these substances are associated with poor cancer prognoses. Pre-treatment of T cells with individual (specifically Vitamin D) or combination (all three) treatments had the highest effects on T cell activation and therefore, could potentially be used to enhance cancer cell killing.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Project supervisor: Dr Mark Levasseur