Multi-dimensional Innate and Adaptive lmmune responses

MRC HIU

We focus on gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms that control the cell-cell interplay required for optimal expansion and activation of tumour-specific T cell populations and to apply this knowledge to the development of better treatment strategies in cancer patients.

Research carried out in my laboratory is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms that control the cell-cell interplay required for optimal expansion and activation of tumour-specific T cell populations and to apply this knowledge to the development of better treatment strategies in cancer patients. Research in my laboratory is divided into four complementary areas:

Analysis of tumour-specific immune responses in cancer patients

My laboratory investigates several complementary aspects of the immune response against solid tumours (ovarian and endometrial cancers, melanoma, bladder and glioblastoma). The ultimate goal is to stratify patients for immunotherapy and establish strategies for sensitisation of non-responders. 

The  role of the tumour micro-environment in hampering tumour-specific immune responses 

We have recently developed a programme focussed on the analysis of the mechanisms by which tumour cells can evade immune responses and have focused on two aspects: expression of amino acid degrading enzymes; and the ability of tissue stroma to modulate the expression of tissue homing receptors expressed by T lymphocytes. Additionally, we are investigating TLR Signaling events.

Structural, kinetic and functional analyses of invariant NKT (iNKT) cell activation

Clinical trial vaccine programme in cancer patients

Our team

Collaborations

Prof Ahmed Ahmed, Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Oxford

Prof Mike Dustin – Kennedy Institute, NDORMS, University of Oxford

Prof Yvonne Jones – STRUBI, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford

Prof Mark Middleton, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford

Prof Thomas Milne, MRC WIMM, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford

Prof Branch Moody, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA

Mr Puneet Plaha, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford

Prof Paresh Vyas, MRC WIMM, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford