Funder: Lilic-Abinun Fund for Advancing Clinical Immunology in Serbia, Faculty of Medical Sciences Newcastle University

Period: 2024-2025.

Project leader: Dr. Marija Mojić, Department of Immunology IBISS

Team members from IBISS:
Dr. Nataša Ilić, Department of Immunology
Ekatarina Mihajlović, Department of Immunology

External advisors:
Dr. Simonida Bobić, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women globally. Despite the advances in detection and treatment, it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Emerging evidence highlights the role of group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) in promoting breast cancer metastasis through interleukin-22 (IL-22) production in the tumour microenvironment. However, the prognostic value of circulating ILC3 and their therapeutic potential remain underexplored. We will investigate peripheral blood ILC3 as biomarkers for predicting the appearance of metastases in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Blood samples from newly diagnosed patients and healthy controls will be analyzed using immunophenotyping to correlate ILC3 levels with metastatic outcomes over five years. The findings from this study could significantly improve breast cancer diagnosis, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes.