Immune Regulation Laboratory (IRLab) -Galvez-Cancino
Our group aims to understand the immune regulatory mechanisms restricting the activity of effector cells, both lymphoid and myeloid, from attacking the tumour. Using this knowledge, we expect to develop novel antibody and mRNA-based therapeutics.
Our research aims to uncover the immune regulatory mechanisms that restrict the ability of effector lymphoid and myeloid cells to attack tumours. We focus on two key immune processes:
Antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP).
Myeloid cells, particularly tissue-resident and monocyte-derived macrophages, are abundant within solid tumours and possess intrinsic phagocytic capabilities. Yet, how their phagocytic potential can be harnessed for cancer immunotherapy remains poorly understood. Our research aims to define the immune-regulatory circuits restricting ADCP within the liver tumour microenvironment. By identifying these barriers, we are developing novel ADCP-enhanced monoclonal antibodies that target immunosuppressive cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We anticipate that our findings will lay the groundwork for innovative therapies and bring new hope to patients affected by liver cancer.
CD8⁺ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
We have a long-standing interest in the mechanisms that impair the function of tumour-reactive CD8⁺ T cells within the tumour microenvironment. Using patient-derived samples from hepatocellular carcinoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, we investigate these T cells' spatial and functional dynamics, including their interactions with tumour cells and other immune-suppressive populations. We aim to identify novel CD8⁺ T cell activity regulators, paving the way for developing personalised mRNA-based cancer vaccines designed to expand and activate these cells.
Our team
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Felipe Galvez-Cancino
Kidani Fellow, Group Leader
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Maria Armero
DPhil Student
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Manuel Smolkin-Meschiany
Research Technician
