REGULINC · Identification of TILs-specific novel lincRNA and their functional importance in mediating immune response in renal cell carcinoma

One of the top ten tumors that occurs worldwide most commonly is renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its incidence is increasing. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), expressing transcription factor FOXP3, play a critical role in the suppression of inflammatory responses maintenance of self-tolerance. However, within the TME, Tregs contribute to tumor development and progression by reducing antitumor immune responses and promoting tumor growth. The dysregulation of specific lncRNAs has been correlated with the prognostic outcomes of patients with RCC, whereas the lncRNA dysregylation in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes is unclear. The overall objective of REGULINC is to increase our understanding of the role of both known and novel lincRNAs in governing the function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) present in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of RCC. This study will identify for the first time the TILs-specific lincRNAs with a focus on Tregs, and their role in Treg interactions with other immune cells in RCC samples. REGULINC will probe into the role of novel lincRNAs in the stability of Tregs and their cell-suppressive capacity, and ascertain if modulation of selected lincRNAs could result in enhanced immune response by TILs in the TME. The project will gain new mechanistic understanding of how lincRNA network defines Tregs activity in TME of RCC. It will also develop novel tools for therapeutic intervention through specifically targeting immune-suppressive Tregs to boost immune response in the TME of RCC.