Memory T cells can quickly stimulate an immune response against harmful pathogens they have been encountered before by mobilizing immune cells. Dr. Rosato is exploring an approach to use memory T cells to counter the immuno-suppressive environment created by tumors. She’s re-activating these memory T cells in mice and characterizing how this affects the immune system’s ability to eliminate tumors. She’s also assessing how re-activation of these memory T cells complements the anti-tumor activity of other immunotherapies, such as adoptive cell transfer (ACT) and checkpoint inhibitors. Finally, she plans to characterize these cells in human tumor samples to shed light on potentially improved approaches for humans.
By studying the immune system, we can harness it to fight cancerous cells in a targeted biological way. CRI recognizes the value of this basic research into fundamental immunology and because of this, has propelled the field of immunotherapy forward.
Projects and Grants
Harnessing tissue resident memory T cells to combat solid tumors
University of Minnesota | All Cancers, Melanoma | 2016 | David Masopust, Ph.D.
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