Research highlights blog

These stories highlight how our models and discoveries are shaping cancer immunology and tolerance research.

KLF2 protects T cells from exhaustion

In chronic infection and cancer, T cells can become “exhausted” and lose their ability to fight. In our Science paper, we discovered that the transcription factor KLF2 helps preserve stem-like T cells, which are the critical population that responds to immunotherapy. This finding identifies KLF2 as a key safeguard of effective anti-tumor immunity.

How PD-1 maintains tolerance in skin

Using engineered antigens in the skin, we discovered how the PD-1 pathway prevents destructive T cell responses in healthy tissues. This paper in Nature provided insight into the same pathways that drive immune-related side effects of checkpoint therapy.

Saying HELLO to TFH cells

Why are TFH cells important in cancer? In this Cell paper we developed the HELLO model to show that B cells and TFH cells can play a surprising role in helping CD8 T cells fight cancer. By producing IL-21, TFH cells boosted the cytolytic activity of CD8 T cells, revealing a new layer of cooperation between immune cells inside tumors.

Organization of tertiary lymphoid structures

We showed that tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) form specialized niches that bring together T cells, B cells, and stromal cells. These findings highlight TLS as a developmental feature of cancer — and a key site of anti-tumor immunity.

Tumor-draining lymph nodes as reservoirs for T cells

In lung cancer models, we demonstrated that the tumor-draining lymph node serves as a reservoir for stem-like CD8 T cells. These cells replenish exhausted populations in tumors and are essential for effective immunotherapy.