Harvard Catalyst Profiles

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, however, a significant fraction of patients fail to respond to therapy and may suffer serious side effects. Our lab studies cancer immunology using chemical biology, molecular biology, and immunology expertise. We are focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms of how the tumor microenvironment is shaped and continuously changed in response to cancer immunotherapies. We aim to develop next-generation immunotherapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases. In the long term, our goals are to help better understand the dynamics of immune responses, to investigate what is behind the heterogeneous response to cancer immunotherapy, and to help understand what causes an immunosuppressive or an anti-tumor immune microenvironment. These are essential for developing more effective therapies, methods for early cancer detection, and new prognostic modalities.

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in various pathologies, including autoimmune/rheumatologic conditions, chronic inflammatory disorders like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and atherosclerosis, and contributes to challenges associated with solid organ transplant rejection and graft-versus-host disease. Current diagnostic methods for these conditions rely on clinical evaluation, biopsy, and/or standard anatomic imaging, each presenting unique challenges. Biopsy, for instance, may face variable sensitivity, particularly when dealing with heterogeneous pathology within the organ of interest. Meanwhile, MRI and CT imaging focus solely on capturing anatomic correlates of inflammation, lacking the ability to provide functional insights into the underlying disease. To address this gap, we are developing novel PET tracers that enable the reliable and noninvasive detection of immune responses across various inflammatory conditions with high sensitivity. A breakthrough manuscript from our lab is currently undergoing peer review for publication. Skills required: We encourage students with basic biology lab skills to apply. No prior research experience is necessary. Selected students will have the opportunity to receive training in lab techniques under the guidance of senior scientists. Learning outcomes: research skills such as study design, data analysis methods, presentations, and scientific writing, as well as lab skillsets such as cell culture, protein engineering, protein expression and purification, ELISA analysis, PET-CT imaging, running SDS-PAGE, mass-spectrometry, and western blot analyses, protein labeling, and working with instruments such as FPLC, LC-MS, microscopy and flow cytometry. Length of the project: 6-12 months (flexible). Mentoring: senior graduate students and postdocs in the lab will be mentoring students. The PI will have regular weekly meetings with students as well. Student stipend: it’s a paid position, which is provided by Dana-Farber and the HMS Scholarly Engagement office (for HMS MD students).