Bowel (colorectal) cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Immune receptors instruct our body cells to produce inflammatory molecules, causing redness, swelling and pain. This inflammation, if left unchecked, results in chronic or excessive inflammation, such that body cells become cancerous, facilitating the process of tumour development. Our lab has discovered that DNA sensors and related immune sensors are critical in preventing intestinal inflammation and cancer. In this new project, you will investigate how a novel DNA sensor induces immunity in preventing cell proliferation and colorectal cancer.