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Research

MK2 inhibition induces p53-dependent senescence in glioblastoma cells

In response to DNA damaging chemotherapy, targeting MK2 in p53-mutated cells produces a phenotype that is distinct from the p53-deficient phenotype

Research

Optimal conditions required for influenza A infection-enhanced cross-priming of CD8+ T cells specific to cell-associated antigens

Our group has recently shown that influenza A virus (IAV) infection of allogeneic cells lead to enhanced cross-priming of TCD8+ specific to cellular antigens.

Research

Dendritic cells and influenza A virus infection

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a dangerous virus equipped with the potential to evoke widespread pandemic disease.

Research

Anti-metabolite chemotherapy increases LAG-3 expressing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes which can be targeted by combination immune checkpoint blockade

Antibodies that target immune checkpoints such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, programmed cell death protein/ligand 1 are approved for treatment of multiple cancer types. 

Research

Protocol for delivery of intraoperative immunotherapy to mice by surgical debulking of subcutaneous tumors

Pre-clinical studies developing novel therapies to prevent cancer recurrence require appropriate surgical models. Here, we present a protocol for surgical debulking of subcutaneous tumors in mice, which allows for intraoperative application of immunotherapy-loaded biomaterials. 

Research

Whole genome and biomarker analysis of patients with recurrent glioblastoma on bevacizumab: A subset analysis of the CABARET trial.

Whole genome sequencing of poor and exceptional survivors identified a gain in Chromosome 19 that was exclusive to the exceptional survivors

Research

Impaired T cell proliferation by ex vivo BET-inhibition impedes adoptive immunotherapy in a murine melanoma model

We established a pipeline to assess the effects of epigenetic modifiers on CD8+ T cell proliferation, differentiation, and efficacy in a preclinical melanoma model

Research

Tumour draining lymph node-generated CD8 T cells play a role in controlling lung metastases after a primary tumour is removed but not when adjuvant immunotherapy is used

Surgical resection of cancer remains the frontline therapy for millions of patients annually, but post-operative recurrence is common, with a relapse rate of around 45% for non-small cell lung cancer. The tumour draining lymph nodes (dLN) are resected at the time of surgery for staging purposes, and this cannot be a null event for patient survival and future response to immune checkpoint blockade treatment. This project investigates cancer surgery, lymphadenectomy, onset of metastatic disease, and response to immunotherapy in a novel model that closely reflects the clinical setting. In a murine metastatic lung cancer model, primary subcutaneous tumours were resected with associated dLNs remaining intact, completely resected or partially resected.

Research

Deciphering the Immunological Phenomenon of Adaptive Natural Killer (NK) Cells and Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Natural killer (NK) cells play a significant and vital role in the first line of defense against infection through their ability to target cells without prior sensitization. They also contribute significantly to the activation and recruitment of both innate and adaptive immune cells through the production of a range of cytokines and chemokines. In the context of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, NK cells and CMV have co-evolved side by side to employ several mechanisms to evade one another.

Research

Spitz Melanoma of Childhood With A Novel Promoter Hijacking Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (C2orf42-ALK) Rearrangement

We present the case of a prepubescent man of African descent who developed a spitzoid melanocytic proliferation showing evidence of a novel promoter hijacking ALK-C2orf42 rearrangement, with atypical histology, clinically apparent metastatic disease, and abnormal cytogenetic findings, representing a rare genuine case of "Spitz melanoma of childhood."