Tumor Immunity, Autoimmunity, and Immune Surveillance of Genetic Integrity

The objective of our laboratory is the study of the pathogenesis and host response to cancer. Studies from our lab and others have shown that the immune response to cancer is directed in large part toward self-antigens.

Pathogenesis and Treatment of Melanoma

The laboratory has had a long-standing interest in the biology of melanoma and melanocytes and the diagnosis and therapy of melanoma.

Development of New Cancer Therapies

Investigators in this laboratory were among the first to develop monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of cancer, including an anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody vaccine. Over the last decade, we have placed special emphasis on discovering molecular targets on cancer cells for vaccination.

The Role of Cell-Surface Peptidases in Inflammation, Malignant Transformation, and Cancer Progression

Over the last decade, we have identified a series of molecules that are differentially expressed by cancer cells than their normal cell counterparts. One group of molecules has particularly attracted our interest: the cell-surface ectopeptidases in the dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) family.