At the forefront of cancer research, our lab is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of the tumor microenvironment, with a particular focus on bladder and breast cancers. We believe that understanding the interactions between cancer cells and the immune system is crucial for developing effective therapies and improving patient outcomes.
Our research primarily centers on the immune system, emphasizing the role of T cells and their memory subsets in the context of tumor progression and immunotherapy. By investigating how these immune cells adapt and respond within the tumor microenvironment, we aim to identify mechanisms that can enhance anti-tumor immunity and inform new treatment strategies.
In addition to studying T cells, we explore the expression of immune checkpoints in tumor tissues. These checkpoints play a vital role in regulating immune responses and can be crucial in determining the effectiveness of immune responses. By integrating our findings on T cell behavior and immune checkpoint dynamics, we hope to contribute to the evolving landscape of cancer immunology.
A range of cutting-edge techniques, including flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, PCR, and cell culture enables us to extract valuable data from both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Additionally, in collaborative efforts with our esteemed colleagues at the pharmacy school, we investigate the antitumor effects and the underlying mechanisms of both synthetic and natural anticancer components. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances our research capabilities but also speeds up the translation of scientific knowledge into real-world therapeutic strategies.
Currently, the main goals of our projects are:
✓ Memory response in cancer with especial focus on memory stem cells (TSCM).
✓ T cells’ profile (helper and regulatory) as well as the expression of the cognate functional genes in blood, tissue and lymph node of cancer patients.
✓ Immune checkpoint expression in cancer.
✓ NET effect in cancer.
✓ Immune related molecules— gene polymorphisms and serum level in cancers.
✓ Investigating the biological activities of synthetic anti-cancer drugs.
Dual Functions of T Lymphocytes in Breast Carcinoma: From Immune Protection to Orchestrating Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancers, 2023 15(19)
Clinical and prognostic significance of follicular helper and regulatory T cells in bladder cancer draining lymph nodes. Scientific reports, 2024 14(1):20358
Diversity of Memory CD8+ T Cells in Tumor-Draining Lymph Nodes from Patients with Bladder Cancer. International journal of molecular and cellular medicine, 2024 13(2):147-159
Prognostic significance of immunoscore related markers in bladder cancer. BMC urology, 2022 22(1):133
Memory CD4+ T cell subsets in tumor draining lymph nodes of breast cancer patients: A focus on T stem cell memory cells. Cellular oncology (Dordrecht), 2018 41(1):1-11
Glucosamine-Modified Mesoporous Silica-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles: A "Raisin-Cake"-like Structure as an Efficient Theranostic Platform for Targeted Methotrexate Delivery. Pharmaceutics, 2023 15(10)
Clinical relevance and prognostic significance of PD-1/PD-Ls in non-metastatic bladder cancer: A role for PD-L2. Molecular immunology. 2020 124:35-41
Tim3 and PD-1 as a therapeutic and prognostic target in colorectal cancer: Relationship with sidedness, clinicopathological parameters, and survival. 2023
