Our research focuses on studying multiple components of cell therapy, including designing chimeric antigen receptors for T cells to enhance their infiltration, expansion, and survival within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We work on different fronts to learn more about the TME and how to modulate the stroma and resident immune cells using radiotherapy to promote a better anti-tumor response. We work in preclinical tumor models to study how cell therapy combined with radiotherapy enhances the anti-tumor immune response resulting in better tumor control and prolonged survival. Our interest also focuses on understanding how low-dose radiotherapy metabolically strengthens the tumor-infiltrating effector T cells. Understanding the mechanisms by which radiotherapy modulates the immune landscape in the tumor environment will lead to the design of better therapeutic approaches.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The trainee will be able to strengthen their knowledge of preclinical models in cell therapy and radiation therapy. The individual will learn multiple techniques required for the lab duties, including cell culture, isolation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, imaging, cell-cell killing assays, and cloning. In addition, the individual will learn animal manipulation to perform blood collection and cell therapy infusions. Overall, the scope of this training and the individual's professional background will greatly complement becoming an independent investigator.