Our goal is to develop novel therapeutic approaches to modify cancer cells to enhance their recognition and targeting by the immune system. We study the molecular mechanisms in tumor cells associated with tumor immune recognition and immune evasion, including STING, NFkB, and chemokine secretion. Current projects aim to find actionable strategies to increase the production of chemokines and cytokines by the tumor cells that attract and activate immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. As a part of this effort, we explore how different types of cellular stress-associated states, such as senescence, metabolic dysfunction, DNA damage, modulate tumor cell immunogenicity. To this end, we employ a functional precision oncology approach bridging patient-derived models, such as patient-derived xenografts, patient-derived organoids, tumor-immune co-cultures, tumor-on-a-chip, with functional genomics and omics technologies for target identification and validation. We work closely with clinicians to ensure an efficient bench-to-bedside and bedside-to-bench workflow. 
Our research is funded by the NIH, DOD, Pelotonia, and OSU DDI.