The Cancer Immunology (CI) Program has three main scientific goals. The first is to identify genomic, molecular and cellular pathways underlying immune dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment. CI members use preclinical model systems, CRISPR screens and human tumor lesions, to identify novel mechanisms/targets underlying immune dysregulation and prioritize targets of immunotherapy resistance/response ultimately tested in novel clinical trials. Second, CI members strive to develop scientifically based strategies that will improve and/or expand current immunotherapeutic platforms, and identify immune biomarkers of risk and response to treatment. The overarching goal is to progress discoveries that are made into innovative clinical trials to test and validate proposed correlates of resistance and response. The third goal is to develop novel clinically applicable immune targets to effectively control or eradicate cancers.
Specific Aims:
1. Investigate immune dysregulation in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME).
2. Develop and interrogate models to reverse immune dysfunction and restore immune balance.
3. Validate correlates of response in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.
