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Research

Malignant Pleural Effusions—A Window Into Local Anti-Tumor T Cell Immunity?

The success of immunotherapy that targets inhibitory T cell receptors for the treatment of multiple cancers has seen the anti-tumor immune response re-emerge as a promising biomarker of response to therapy. Longitudinal characterization of T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) helps us understand how to promote effective anti-tumor immunity. However, serial analyses at the tumor site are rarely feasible in clinical practice.

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

Invasive fungal disease in children with solid tumors: An Australian multicenter 10-year review

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) occurs less frequently during treatment for solid compared to hematological malignancies in children, and risk groups are poorly defined. Retrospective national multicenter cohort data (2004-2013) were analyzed to document prevalence, clinical characteristics, and microbiology of IFD.

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

Fc-Engineered B7-H3 Antibody with Prolonged Serum Half-Life for Enhanced Cancer Therapy

Monoclonal antibodies are revolutionizing the landscape of current cancer treatment, bringing hope to patients with incurable cancers. B7-H3 (CD276) is an attractive therapeutic target for antibody-based therapy due to its low or absent expression in normal tissues and high expression in various types of tumors, including prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and high-mortality esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In recent years, various B7-H3-targeting antibodies have been developed for cancer treatment, with a few making their way to clinical trials.

Research

CAR T cells targeting B7H3 demonstrate potent preclinical activity against AML and ESCC

T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are a promising modality to treat refractory cancers. CD19 CAR-T therapy has achieved remarkable responses in against B-cell lymphomas, however, challenges persist for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and solid malignancies. B7H3 is an immune regulatory molecule that is highly expressed in various tumor cells. Its abnormal expression in acute AML and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is closely related to tumor progression. 

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

Skin tumor immunity: Site does matter for antigen presentation by DCs

Timely mobilization of tumor antigen-bearing dendritic cells (DCs) from the periphery to the lymph nodes is critical for effective antitumor T-cell immunity

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."