Mentor Areas
Immuno-oncology
Model development
GBM biology
Description:
An adaptive immunosuppressive microenvironment is a major barrier to immune-based therapies for solid tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM). Current model systems for preclinical development either lack substantial components of the immune system or rely upon different species’ immune systems, which display significant differences when compared to human immune systems. These deficiencies lead to the disconnect between preclinical and clinical research. In my lab, we are developing a humanized mouse system for the study of immune system interactions with GBM. By taking hematopoietic stem cells from a GBM patient, we can engraft a human immune system in mice. From the same patient, we obtain tumor tissue and T cells. This allows the creation of an autologous mouse system, where the components, immune system, tumor, and cell-based therapy, all come from the same source. In doing so, we avoid any complications that would arise from cells coming from multiple individuals.
We are working on validating the autologous mouse system by generating chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells from the patients’ own T cells. These redirected T cells allow for evaluation of the model system, both in terms of how the tumors respond to immunotherapy and how the existing immune system responds to immunotherapy. Results in the animal model are compared to patients receiving the same treatment, in clinical trials at the University of Pennsylvania.
Preferred Qualifications
Enthusiasm for cancer immunotherapy research
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. https://www.med.upenn.edu/orourke-lab/
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Academic Term
Fall, Summer
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.