The overall goal of this project is to establish protocols for the development of new ‘humanized’ in vivo mouse models that replicate the human immune system environment across various ovarian cancer subtypes. These models will serve as a vital resource to support research projects focused on testing novel combinations of non-cytotoxic targeted therapies, particularly those targeting the immune system (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors). By creating standardized protocols and models, this project aims to facilitate collaborative research efforts that investigate mechanisms of response and resistance to these treatments.

What is a ‘humanized’ mouse model?

A special type of mouse model that includes human immune cells – established through implantation of human hematopoietic cord blood cells into specially engineered immune-deficient mice – allowing for the growth and testing of human patient-derived tumours in a living system.