BATS

Date/Time:

Oct 18, 2019 - 12:00 PM

Location:

Hosts:

Bevin Engelward

Speaker:

Title:

Elucidating the Peptide Repertoire of Non-canonical Class Ib MHCs

Abstract:

Major histocompatibility complex proteins (MHCs) are key to enabling adaptive immune surveillance. Canonical MHCs are also the most polymorphic genetically-encoded proteins in humans, which presents challenges in developing immunotherapies that work across patient populations. In contrast, non-canonical class Ib MHCs are highly conserved among all people, potentially enabling the design of generalizable immunotherapies. Here, I will discuss our work elucidating the class Ib peptide-binding repertoire and potential therapeutic applications.

Speaker:

Title:

A Materials-based Approach for Localized Delivery of Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract:

Cancer immunotherapy agents are providing curative anti-tumor responses in many patients. However, these are typically only effective in a subset of patients with some even eliciting strong cell killing in healthy tissue. Thus, strategies to localize and retain these therapies in tumors may be key to maintaining efficacy while limiting off-target toxicity. In this project, we seek to implement the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant (alum) as a platform for the tunable release of immunotherapies within solid tumors.