Immunology

The Immunology Program is addressing basic questions to better understand immune-system responses to cancer and other diseases. Program members are investigating the immune defense mechanisms that arise during tumor development and how, in turn, these mechanisms can be exploited to prevent or inhibit tumor progression. To this end, program members are studying the role of the innate immune system, most notably dendritic cells, in initiating immune responses. A major area of strength is research into the regulation of immune responses to self and foreign antigens to gain insights into autoimmune disorders such as lupus and arthritis. An overarching goal of the Immunology Program is to develop immunotherapeutics and vaccines for the prevention or treatment of cancer, HIV, and other diseases. Studies supporting this aim include the development of innovative vaccine carriers, identification of tumor-associated antigens suitable as targets for active immunotherapy, and generation of novel types of adjuvants to enhance the efficacy of vaccines, particularly vaccines against tumor-associated antigens.

Andrew J. Caton, Ph.D.
Jan Erikson, Ph.D.
Hildegund C.J. Ertl, M.D.*
Dorothee Herlyn, D.V.M., D.Sc.
Hui Hu, Ph.D.
Luis J. Montaner, D.V.M., D.Phil.
Ellen Puré, Ph.D.
Louise C. Showe, Ph.D.
E. John Wherry, Ph.D.

* Denotes program leader