# B Cells and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures: Emerging Targets in Cancer Therapeutics

> **NIH NIH R13** · KEYSTONE SYMPOSIA · 2023 · $6,000

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Support is requested for a Keystone Symposia conference entitled B Cells and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures:
Emerging Targets in Cancer Therapeutics, organized by Drs. Tullia Bruno, Brad Nelson, Daniel Hollern and
Marie-Caroline Dieu-Nosjean. The conference will be held in Whistler, British Columbia from October 1-4, 2023.
With vaccines, antibody-based immunotherapy, and scientific discoveries of B cell functional mechanisms, major
breakthroughs are happening surrounding B cells. This marks a field of research that is poised for exponential
growth in acquisition of knowledge and effective therapies. In particular, the novel insights into B cell biology
have revealed conserved aspects across disease; for example, B cells are now recognized as critical players in
Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLS) for both cancer patient response to immunotherapy and the severity of
autoimmune disease. Likewise, B regulatory cells use mechanisms to protect from autoimmunity that are
common to the mode by which they fuel cancer’s progression and resistance to therapy. By examining data
across disciplines, scientists are gleaning major insights that shape the forward progression of the entire field of
research. To foster the process of breakthroughs in the field of B cell research, we have established the B Cells
in Cancer Consortium (BC3) to bring together this ever-growing community, and as expected, there is high
interest. Specifically, our first year has built a constituency of more than 500 scientists for our virtual seminar
series. This signifies a likelihood for an even larger audience given the expansive pace of immunology research
driven by the global pandemic. With mRNA vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies being a topic of high
exposure, people are more informed than ever on B cell biology. This inaugural Keystone Symposia conference
will be the first opportunity for this nascent field to meet together, providing a unique opportunity to forge new
connections and catalyze future research into the importance of B cell function in cancer.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10754008
- **Project number:** 1R13CA284827-01
- **Recipient organization:** KEYSTONE SYMPOSIA
- **Principal Investigator:** TERRY L. SHEPPARD
- **Activity code:** R13 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $6,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-09-18 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10754008

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10754008, B Cells and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures: Emerging Targets in Cancer Therapeutics (1R13CA284827-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10754008. Licensed CC0.

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