Immunotherapy and Senolytics: Alleviating radiation-induced senescence

Veltman, Hendrik (2021) Immunotherapy and Senolytics: Alleviating radiation-induced senescence. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

Preview	Text Hendrik Veltman_Premaster_thesis_Final Version.pdf Download (855kB) | Preview
	Text toestemming.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (96kB)

Abstract

According to data published in 2018 by the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer is the second major cause of death globally. Treatment of malignant tumours often involves radiotherapy, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy and/or surgery. Radiotherapy however, leads to DNA damage and stress resulting in the emergence of senescent cells in the tumour and the surrounding healthy tissue. Cellular senescence is a state in which the cell undergoes permanent cell cycle arrest. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) contributes to induction of more senescent cells which in term may lead to many diseases a few of which are fibrosis, neurodegeneration, osteoarthritis and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, senescence in the tumour can lead to transformed radio-resistant cells which sporadically exit this cell-cycle arrest, leading to recurrence. For these reasons, it is important to obtain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of senescence and the way in which immunotherapy and senotherapy may aid in eliminating senescent cells thus alleviating degenerative diseases and minimizing recurrence rates of cancer. Upon cellular stress, senescence is induced via the p53 and retinoblastoma protein pathways leading to oxidative stress and the activation of anti-apoptotic pathways. Senescence surveillance is primarily initiated by the innate immune system involving NK cells, neutrophils and macrophages. However, CD4+ T cells take part as well using APCs.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Coppes, R.P.
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	12 Mar 2021 11:30
Last Modified:	12 Mar 2021 11:30
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/24065

Actions (login required)

View Item