Overview of the disputation
The upcoming disputation at Karolinska Institutet centers on a critical topic in tumor immunology: unraveling the phenotypic features and functional mechanisms of tumor-associated adaptive natural killer (NK) cells. Held on 2025-10-24 from 8:30 to 13:30, the event invites a clinical and research audience to engage with cutting-edge insights into how adaptive NK cells influence tumor surveillance, immune modulation, and potential therapeutic strategies.
The academic context and leadership
Led by principal supervisor Dhifaf Sarhan, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in the Division of Pathology, the disputation brings together a multi-disciplinary team from Karolinska Institutet and collaborating institutions. The co-supervisors include Kaisa Lehti, Professor in Tumor Biology and Biomedical Laboratory Science at both Karolinska Institutet and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and Mikael Karlsson, Professor in Tumor and Cell Biology. Their collective expertise frames a rigorous examination of how tumor-associated adaptive NK cells arise, their phenotypic signatures, and the cellular pathways that govern their behavior in cancerous environments.
Key questions addressed
The core inquiry of the disputation revolves around three pillars. First, what phenotypic features define tumor-associated adaptive NK cells, and how do these markers differentiate them from conventional NK cell populations? Second, what functional mechanisms underlie their activity within tumors — including cytotoxic responses, cytokine production, and interactions with other immune cells? Third, what are the implications for patient prognosis and therapeutic development, particularly in the context of immunotherapy strategies that leverage innate immune components?
Methodological approaches
The working group utilizes a blend of advanced immunophenotyping, single-cell analyses, and functional assays to characterize adaptive NK cells within tumor microenvironments. Techniques likely include flow cytometry, transcriptomic profiling, and in vitro assays that assess cytotoxic potential and cytokine release. By integrating these methods, the research aims to map the dynamic landscape of NK cell adaptation in cancer, providing a clearer understanding of how these cells influence disease progression and treatment responses.
Distinguished contributors
The disputation features a panel of experts who will serve as opponents and examiners. Yenan Bryceson, Professor in the Department of Medicine Huddinge at Karolinska Institutet, brings a strong background in NK cell biology and immune regulation to the discussion. The betygsnämnd (examination committee) includes Angelica Loskog from Uppsala University and other senior researchers who bring perspectives from immunology, pathology, and neuroimmunology. The involvement of multiple departments highlights the translational potential of the work — from bench science to clinical implications for cancer patients.
Impact on the field
Understanding tumor-associated adaptive NK cells could reshape how researchers view innate-adaptive immune interactions in cancer. If specific phenotypic features correlate with enhanced anti-tumor activity or, conversely, with immune evasion, these findings could guide the development of NK cell–based therapies, combination regimens, and predictive biomarkers for treatment response. The disputation at Karolinska Institutet thus stands as a milestone in integrating immunology with clinical oncology to improve patient outcomes.
Event logistics and audience
The venue is Lagerlöf, plan 4 (inside the library), Alfred Nobels Allé 8. Attendees will join a structured program that includes a presentation of the research aims, the candidate’s data interpretation, and a formal examination by a panel of senior scientists. The event is part of the university’s vibrant research culture, inviting students, colleagues, and external collaborators to engage with innovative work in tumor immunology.
For those planning to attend, the disputation offers a valuable opportunity to hear about the latest discoveries in tumor-associated adaptive NK cells, ask questions, and consider how these insights might translate into improved cancer therapies in the years ahead.
