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Sloan-Kettering Institute // Jedd D. Wolchok

Alexander Lesokhin, MD

Assistant Member

Lab Phone:

646-888-2353

E-mail:

lesokhia@mskcc.org

My research is focused on mechanisms of immune evasion facilitated by a population of myeloid lineage cells called myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC). This is a heterogeneous group of cells defined by the myeloid lineage marker CD11b and the ability to suppress T cell function. I have established a system to assay MDSC function in vitro and I have characterized two mouse strains where specific subsets of monocyte/macrophage cells can be traced and selectively depleted. Using these reagents, I aim to characterize the role of myeloid cells in priming or inhibiting tumor antigen specific immunity. In addition, together with the Immune Monitoring Facility, I am working to characterize MDSC populations in humans with cancer. Currently we are validating a panel of flow cytometric markers to screen human samples from healthy donors and patients enrolled in a number of clinical trials ongoing at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

antigen (AN-tih-jen)

Any substance that causes the body to make a specific immune response.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

assay (A-say)

A laboratory test to find and measure the amount of a specific substance.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cell (sel)

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)

Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

heterogeneous (HEH-teh-roh-JEE-nee-us)

Made up of elements or ingredients that are not alike.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

immunity (ih-MYOO-nih-tee)

The condition of being protected against an infectious disease. Immunity can be caused by a vaccine, previous infection with the same agent, or by transfer of immune substances from another person or animal.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

in vitro (in VEE-troh)

In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

marker (MAR-ker)

A diagnostic indication that disease may develop.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

myeloid (MY-eh-loyd)

Having to do with or resembling the bone marrow. May also refer to certain types of hematopoietic (blood-forming) cells found in the bone marrow. Sometimes used as a synonym for myelogenous; for example, acute myeloid leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia are the same disease.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

tumor (TOO-mer)

An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)