Exposed Brick: Building a Case for Immune Clearance of Aneuploid Cells

Exposed Brick: Building a Case for Immune Clearance of Aneuploid Cells

Collections: Image Award Winners, Cancer Immunology & Immunotherapy

2018 Award Winner

Lauren Zasadil, Angelika Amon

Koch Institute at MIT, MIT Department of Biology

It’s the Case of the Missing (and Extra) Chromosomes! Aneuploidy, the result of chromosome missegregation during cell division, is a hallmark of cancer and a potential target for therapeutic intervention. However, new evidence suggests that immune cells may already be working to eliminate unwanted aneuploid cells from the body prior to cancer onset.

Like detectives, Amon Lab researchers scour tissue samples from mouse models of aneuploidy, searching for clues—such as inflammation—that will reveal immune system activity. Each of these 363 images could help build their case…and uncover new allies in the fight against cancer.

Video

Lauren Zasadil shares the story behind her award-winning image. You can also watch her presentation from the exhibit opening on March 8, 2018 here.