IkaNurlaila, PhD, NanoBio4Can, MSCA COFUND Fellow, TÜBİTAK MAM

IkaNurlaila, PhD
NanoBio4Can, MSCA COFUND Fellow
TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center

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Hello everyone, I am Ika Nurlaila, a postdoctoral research fellow with the NANOBIO4CAN under the MSCA Cofound program 2025.

What is the purpose of the project?
This project aims to create a general platform to improve cancer treatments by focusing on a key part of the immune system called the antigen processing machinery (APM). This system helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. We're using a powerful gene-editing tool called CRISPR/Cas9 to make precise changes in this machinery. The goal is to boost the body's natural immune response against tumors and make existing immunotherapy treatments more effective. This approach could also help people whose cancer has stopped responding to traditional treatments, giving hope for better, more personalized cancer therapies.

What is the expected outcome of the project?
We plan to develop a new version of a gene-editing tool called CRISPR/Cas9, specifically designed to target a type of immune therapy called APM. This tool will help fix problems related to certain markers that are associated with cancer. By doing this, we hope to improve the cancer associated antigen presentation so they can be recognized by the surveying immune cells particularly cd8 T cells.

What social impact is expected from this project?
This project could have a big positive effect worldwide. Right now, almost 20 million people are fighting cancer, and about 60% of them stop responding to the usual treatments. Our new approach could change that by offering better options for these patients. If successful, it could help save more lives, improve treatment results, and give hope to millions of families affected by cancer around the world.

For more information please visit https://nanobio4can.net