The goal of my research is to elucidate in mouse models the most potent means to induce immunity to advanced melanoma by rationally integrating active and passive immunization, immunomodulation and chemotherapy. I am currently evaluating a new generation of optimized DNA vaccines and non replicative viral particles to elicit antigen-specific adaptive immune responses. Antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies are under investigation as passive immunotherapy strategy, as well as clinical grade blocking/agonistic antibodies that target immunologic pathways.