Lee Immunology Laboratory

My lab focuses on important questions involving natural killer (NK) cells with two major research themes: (1) Identification of novel NK cell functions and dissection of mechanisms for those functions in vivo in models of infection and cancer; (2) Application of these new findings for developing innovative therapeutics. We have established a network of collaborations with clinical investigators in order to elucidate new NK cell functions of relevance to cancer therapy and the treatment of chronic infections.

1. HOW NK CELLS ARE GENERATED:

Understanding the mechanism leading to NK cell maturation at the steady-state. The networks of transcription factors and cytokine signaling during NK cell development are being investigated.

2. HOW NK CELLS METABOLIZE NUTRIENTS:

Natural Killer Cell Immunometabolism. The metabolic reprogramming in immune cells required for proliferation is controlled by signaling from antigen-specific receptors and growth factor cytokines, as well as the accessibility of nutrients. We are investigating the cytokine signaling that is modulating NK cell and CD8 T cell metabolism during virus infection and inflammation.

3. HOW NK CELL FUNCTIONS DURING VIRAL INFECTIONS:

Through collaborations with clinical investigators, we have access to clinical samples from HCV, HIV, CMV, and Influenza infected individuals. We are investigating NK cell function in human viral infection by evaluating the cytokine production and the cytotoxicity of NK cells from clinical specimens.

4. HOW TO IMPROVE NK CELL FUNCTIONS IN IMMUNOTHERAPIES:

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that recognize tumor-specific antigens on the surface of tumor cells are being used successfully as cancer therapy. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by NK cells is a principal mechanism underlying the therapy. We are trying to enhance the ADCC function of NK cells and thereby improve the efficacy of the immunotherapies.