Sheryl Wang (GRODZINSKY & HAMMOND LABS)

Nanolayered Surface Coatings for Programmable Gene Delivery in Cranial Bone Repair

Clinical repair of cranial bone defects using biological or metal grafts is limited by tissue availability or poor functional bone restoration. Full regeneration of mature bone requires timed introduction of growth factors involved in natural fracture healing. Our research aims to develop an implant coating for programmed gene delivery to stimulate in situ osteogenic growth factor expression and enhance bone repair. This talk describes approaches to construct a gene-delivering film and factors affecting delivery efficacy.

Beth Pearce (BIRNBAUM LAB)

Investigating T Cell Specificity in Anti-tumor Immune Responses

Checkpoint blockade allows an endogenous anti-tumor immune response to proceed uninhibited but only helps some patients. We have developed an antigen discovery pipeline that isolates activated T cells from tumors, determines T cell receptors, and finds recognized peptide-MHCs using yeast display. We are examining whether any antigenic signature is shared in treated mice. These results will provide us with insight into the basis of responses to melanoma after treatment and may lead to strategies to produce safer, more effective therapies.