Cancer immunology
Our research in cancer immunology spans projects across solid cancers and leukaemias.
Our discovery immunology research aims to identify drivers of anti-tumour immune cell activity within the tumour microenvironment. Our clinical immunology studies aim to uncover drivers of response to cancer immunotherapies.
Dr Alyssa Cull studies the function of mutant myeloid cells in the bone marrow of people with leukaemia and their interaction with normal and leukaemic haematopoietic stem cells.
Dr Vicki Jennings studies how oncolytic virotherapy can enhance tumour recognition and destruction by the immune system. The group also investigates mechanisms underlying tumour-induced immune tolerance.
Dr Ioannis Kourtzelis studies the regulation of myeloid cell function in the orchestration of anti-tumour immunity, focusing on mechanisms that promote phagocytosis-dependent tumour cell elimination to develop novel immunotherapies.
Professor Dimitris Lagos studies the role of RNA and cancer immune gene expression in shaping tumour immunogenicity and immune escape in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and, with Professor Adele Fielding, leukaemia. The group uses powerful immunogenomics platforms to identify drivers of response and toxicities during cancer immunotherapy as part of the MANIFEST UK Cancer Immunotherapy Response Research Platform. The group also collaborates with Professor Will Brackenbury to study how the tumour ionic microenvironment can be exploited to enhance anti-tumour immunity.