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Dong Group: Human T cell responses against Viruses & Cancer

Investigative Medicine Division MRC Human Immunology Unit MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine

Our group focuses on determining the factors which affect T cells both in the control of viral infection and in the development of cancer.

T cell (orange) killing a cancer cell (pink)

Human infections, cancer development and the course of disease are mainly influenced by T cell responses.  While a robust and appropriate T cell response is beneficial to the host, a weak or inappropriate response can be ineffective or even have a detrimental effect. Numerous factors influence the quality of the T cell response to viral infections or cancer development. Predominant among them being the microenvironment of the tumour or infection site, the type of cells affected and in the case of infection, the variability of the virus. By understanding the key factors required for efficient T cell control in a number of different viral infections and virus-associated cancers, we aim to identify targets to augment and control the immune response as a way of improving the outcome of several important human diseases.

As a group we are focussing our expertise in both a cancer and viral infection setting to:

1. Assess the function and dysregulation of cancer-specific T cells 

2. Identify inhibitory and co-stimulatory factors that affect anti-cancer efficacy

3. Assess the role of T cells in Influenza and SARS-Cov-2 virus infections and the factors that affect their function 

4. Study the factors affecting antigen processing and presentation in cancer and virus-infected cells

5. Define the impact of IFTIM3 genetic variation on virus infection, immune responses and disease outcome

 

Dong Lab Members

Selected publications

Collaborations

Professor Ruozheng Wang  (Xinjiang Tumour Hospital)

Professor Yonghong Zhang (Beijing Youan Hospital)

Professor Alain Townsend (University of Oxford)

Professor Ian Humphreys (University of Cardiff)

Dr Thushan De Silva (University of Sheffield, Imperial College London)

Professor Clare Verrill (University of Oxford)

Professor Najib Rahman (University of Oxford)

Professor Chris Conlon (University of Oxford)

Professor Andrew McMichael (University of Oxford)

Dr. Marco Fritzsche (University of Oxford)

Professor Benedikt Kessler (University of Oxford)

Professor Graham Ogg (University of Oxford)

Professor Julian Knight  (University of Oxford)

Funding

Medical Research Council

Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute

Janssen Pharmaceutical Innovation Fund

John Fell Fund

Past Lab members

Henry Laurenson-Schafer (D.Phil 2018)

Chi Zhang (D.Phil 2017)

Sophie Andrews (D.Phil 2017)

Linghang Wang (D.Phil 2014)

Mohammed Rai (D.Phil 2014)

Julie Glanvile (D.Phil 2013)

Eirini Moysi  (D.Phil 2012)

Abigail Cumshaw (D.Phil 2011)

Srinica Ranasinghe (D.Phil 2011)

Yonghong Zhang (D.Phil 2009)

Laurel Lee (D.Phil 2009)

Hathajrat Thananchai (D.Phil 2008)

Alex Leligdowicz  (D.Phil 2008)

Tumelo Mashishi (D.Phil 2007)

Ed Moran (D.Phil 2007)

Kerry Kite (RA)

Shaza Mohamed (RA)

Shokouh Makvandi-Nejad (Postdoc)

Lili Wang (Postdoc)

Tim Powell (Postdoc)

Reto Schumacher (Postdoc)

Beibei Wang (Postdoc Visiting Fellow)

Related research themes

We use state of the art techniques to interrogate the intricacies of our body’s response to pathogens, cancer and non-communicable diseases. We have particular strengths in T cell signaling, the innate immune system and therapeutic antibody development – particularly in oncology and against pathogens. We have forged strong links with clinical medicine to accelerate translation of laboratory studies into therapeutic strategies.
Immunology and Infection
A raft of cellular and molecular biology techniques underpin much of the work we do to elucidate the mechanisms of disease. We use established techniques to answer new questions and also develop our own novel and unique methodologies to drive further innovation.
Cellular and Molecular Biology
We are committed to translating our innovative research into clinical benefit. From new methods of diagnosing chronic conditions, to finding the latest treatments for diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and rare diseases, our department is involved in hundreds of clinical studies every year.
Clinical Studies and Trials
We have cutting edge expertise in a range of statistical and mathematical modelling techniques that allow us to interrogate large data sets – from the ‘big data’ of genomics through to magnetic resonance imaging and clinical trials. We are also home to the Medical Research Council WIMM Centre for Computational Biology – a hub for accelerating progress in genomics analysis and single cell biology.
Computational Biology, Statistics and Bioinformatics
Our research is focused on both blood cancers (myeloid and lymphoid malignancies) and solid tumours, such as breast, colorectal, endocrine and lung cancers, with a number of drug discovery efforts and clinical trials taking place within the department. By understanding the basic biology and underlying disease mechanisms we aim to find effective new biomarkers and treatment approaches.
Cancer Biology