Prof. Li Tang Receives a Foundation Leenaards Prize

Professor Li Tang (EPFL), is exploring a new approach to overcoming the resistance of cancer cells to immunotherapeutic treatments. By strengthening the rigidity of cancer cells, the researchers hope to improve the effectiveness of T lymphocytes in eliminating tumours. This breakthrough, combining mechanical engineering, biology and clinical research, could lead to more effective treatments for patients resistant to current immunotherapies. His project is supported by Foundation Leenaards and will receives a CHF 700’000 grant.

In response to the limitations of immunotherapy, a research team is exploring a new strategy to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
“By targeting the mechanical properties of cancer cells and increasing their stiffness, we aim to improve the adhesion of T cells and their ability to destroy tumors. This opens the door to more effective treatments for patients who are resistant to current immunotherapies,” explains Prof. Li Tang, from the Laboratory of Biomaterials for Immunoengineering at EPFL.
He leads the research team that was awarded one of the two Leenaards Scientific Prizes 2025, alongside Prof. Camilla Jandus, from the Department of Pathology and Immunology at the University of Geneva’s Faculty of Medicine, and Prof. Olivier Michielin, Head of the Oncology Department at Geneva University Hospitals (HUG).

Immunotherapy and Its Limits

Immunotherapy relies on the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Unlike conventional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which directly target tumor cells, immunotherapy works by stimulating the body’s natural defenses. However, cancer cells have developed sophisticated ways to escape immune detection, limiting the effectiveness of current treatments. To date, immunotherapy is only effective against a limited number of cancers.
Until now, cancer research has mainly focused on pharmacological and biological approaches—particularly targeting immune checkpoints, the mechanisms used by cancer cells to block T cell attacks.
“Certain areas of research remain largely unexplored, especially the physical properties of cancer cells and how these influence immunotherapy outcomes,” says Prof. Li Tang.

Targeting the Softness of Cancer Cells

“Stiffening cancer cells is like removing a shield that protects them from immune attack. By altering their mechanical properties, we enable T cells to latch on and inject their cytotoxic payload—essential for destroying tumors,” explains Prof. Camilla Jandus (UNIGE). A recent discovery by the Tang Lab (EPFL) showed that cellular plasticity—or the “softness” of cancer cells—plays a key role in treatment resistance. This softness prevents T cells, the body’s immune sentinels, from attaching effectively to cancer cells and launching their destruction.
By targeting this mechanical vulnerability, the research team hopes to unlock new therapeutic avenues and make immunotherapies more broadly effective.

➡️ Source: Foundation Leenaards.  📸 Li Tang (EPFL – centre) with Pr Camilla Jandus (UNIGE -left) and Pr Olivier Michielin (HUG – right). © Alban Kakulya