Immunotherapy works by activating the body\u2019s own immune system to fight cancer, but many patients eventually stop responding because their T cells become \u201cexhausted\u201d and lose their ability to attack tumors effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Liu studies the molecular signals that control T cell function inside tumors. His previous work at leading research Institution:s in China uncovered important mechanisms regulating immune exhaustion and cancer progression, resulting in publications in major scientific journals including Nature, Cancer Cell, and Nature Immunology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This project investigates a molecule called Chrna7 (Cholinergic receptor alpha 7), a receptor found on T cells that appears to promote T cell exhaustion. Dr. Liu\u2019s early studies show that mice lacking this receptor develop stronger anti-tumor immune responses and experience slower tumor growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using advanced genetic and molecular approaches, he will determine how Chrna7 weakens T cell function and whether blocking this pathway can restore the ability of T cells to fight cancer. The long-term goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that keep T cells active longer and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy. If successful, this work could help overcome one of the major barriers limiting current cancer immunotherapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tak W. Mak, PhD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Regulation of T cell exhaustion and anti-tumor immunity by Cholinergic receptor alpha 7 Immunotherapy works by activating the body\u2019s own immune system to fight cancer, but many patients eventually stop responding because their T cells become \u201cexhausted\u201d and lose their ability to attack tumors effectively. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":39668,"template":"","tax_cancer_type":[455],"tax_grant_type":[890],"tax_award_year":[881],"tax_institutions":[634],"tax_location_states":[503],"class_list":["post-39765","cri_scientists","type-cri_scientists","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"scientist_subhead":"CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellow","quote":"","scientist_last_name":"Liu","show_on_landing":true,"scientist_publish_until":"20290727"},"yoast_head":"\nProjects and Grants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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