Diacylglycerol Kinases in immune response and cancer progression

In the laboratory we are investigating new approaches to target highly malignant forms of cancer through activation of the immune response. We specialize in the study of the signals by which tumors impair the correct activation of cytotoxic T cells (CTL) preventing them of killing the tumors. We investigate a family of enzyme that transform Diacylglycerol into phosphatidic acid acting as negative regulators of T cell functions. Using a combination of techniques we aim to get a better knowledge of the mechanisms by which these enzymes contribute to malignant transformation and immune evasion