Cytokines in Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy

ABSTRACT

Cancer immunotherapy hinges on the robust activation of tumor-specific T cells, which are pivotal for effective antitumor immune responses. Among the various signals contributing to this process, cytokines are crucial in orchestrating and enhancing antitumor immunity. In our lab, we have identified several cytokines, particularly members of the IL-1 family, including IL-33 and IL-36, which significantly bolster antitumor immunity. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain in fully elucidating the mechanisms by which these cytokines influence tumor immunity. Our research has been intensely focused on addressing these challenges, employing cutting-edge immunological technologies, reverse genetics, and advanced mouse cancer models. Additionally, we integrate state-of-the-art data science tools to analyze and interpret complex immunological data. Alongside our basic research efforts, we are actively conducting translational research to uncover how these cytokines function in human antitumor immunity. In this presentation, I will introduce current basic and translation research focusing on IL33 and IL36 in cancer immune therapy. In addition, I will highlight our current effort to leverage these insights to develop novel cancer therapies that can be translated into clinical settings, thereby improving outcomes for cancer patients.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Binfeng Lu is a tumor immunologist, currently a member and Director of the Institute of Immunological Intervention at the Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health. He also holds a professorship in the Department of Medical Sciences at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and is a member of the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Lu earned his Ph.D. in 1998 from the Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Biophysical Studies at Columbia University, following his B.S. in Biology from Tsinghua University in 1992. He further honed in on his expertise in immunology during his postdoctoral training at the Section of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Lu has held several academic positions, including professor at the Department of Immunology and Associate Director of the Immunology Graduate Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. With deep expertise in tumor immunology, he has extensively studied signaling molecules, transcription factors, cytokines, and co-inhibitory molecules involved in T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses. Furthermore, Dr. Lu has pioneered new cancer therapeutic modalities, integrating chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, gene therapy, and immunotherapy.