My primary research interest is the immunobiology of head and neck cancer. There are two broad areas of ongoing investigation in my lab. First, we are investigating novel ways to harness the immune system to treat head and neck cancer in a mouse model. We are using recombinant bacterial vaccines to generate a potent immune response against tumor antigens associated with head and neck cancer. More specifically, we have targeted the tumor antigen E7, which is present in all head and neck cancers transformed by the human papilloma virus (HPV). This amounts to roughly 25% of cancers. By administering Listeria monocytogenes strains which secrete E7, we have seen the generation of lymphocytes that are specific for E7 and the regression of HPV-associated tumors in mice. We are currently studying new vaccines and new routes of administration in anticipation of possible clinical trials for all types of head and neck cancer.

The second area of research we are investigating is the manner by which head and neck cancers escape immune surveillance in patients. Head and neck cancers evade immune surveillance by a number of mechanisms. One method is through the down-regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, specifically class I molecules. This renders tumor cells less likely to be targeted and destroyed by CD8+ lymphocytes. Another mechanism of immune escape is through induction of apoptosis in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Through genetic and immunohistochemical analysis, we hope to critically analyze how these mechanisms can be overcome. We will then apply our findings to create more effective immunotherapeutic strategies for head and neck cancer.