Assistant Professor
NCI-Designated Cancer Center
I have always been fascinated by the paradoxical role of the immune system in cancer. On the one hand our immune system protects us from infections and disease. But in some cases, it can turn against us. With the recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy, we can now harness the power of our immune cells to cure cancer. However, while this therapy has been revolutionary for some cancer patients, many do not respond.
Our work is aimed at understanding why certain types of cancer fail to respond to immunotherapy and become resistant. Tumors are heavily infiltrated with different types of immune cells. Some cells, such as T cells, have cancer-killing abilities, but may lose their function upon prolonged residence in the tumor microenvironment. T cells live closely together with another type of immune cell called a macrophage. Macrophages are notorious for their ability to actively suppress the anti-cancer function of T cells.
Our lab is trying to understand the communication networks that regulate macrophages and T cells and may contribute to the development of resistance to immunotherapy. Ultimately, we aim to interfere with these immune cell dynamics to improve treatment strategies for cancer patients.
