Regulation of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes by circadian molecular clocks

Circadian rhythms are the natural 24-hour cycles governing physiological processes and play a critical role in regulating immune function. This thesis explores the intricate connections between circadian rhythms and the immune response in cancer, focusing on how disruptions in these rhythms may influence T cell efficacy against tumor cells. By integrating insights from chronobiology and immunology, the present work investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian regulation of T cells and their possible implications for cancer progression and treatment. Experimental data highlight how circadian regulation can shape T cell anti-tumor function, potentially creating a more permissive environment for tumor growth. Furthermore, the thesis examines novel mechansims regulating T cell responses aimed at optimizing cancer immunotherapy. These findings underscore the importance of taking into account the circadian regulation of adaptive immune responses to improve current treatments of cancer and other diseases.