Yonghong Wan, McMaster University
Assistant Professor
Pathology & Molecular Medicine
Hamilton, Ontario
wanyong@mcmaster.ca
Office:
(905) 525-9140 ext. 22461
Bio/Research
Our research involves dendritic cell immunobiology and cancer immunotherapy. The overall objective of our research program is to develop new immunotherapeutic approaches including cancer vaccines for the treatment of melanoma, breast cancer and brain tumors. Since tumors are derived from healthy ...
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Bio/Research
Our research involves dendritic cell immunobiology and cancer immunotherapy. The overall objective of our research program is to develop new immunotherapeutic approaches including cancer vaccines for the treatment of melanoma, breast cancer and brain tumors. Since tumors are derived from healthy tissues, the development of effective cancer vaccines has been complicated by mechanisms of “immune tolerance” that prevent the immune system from attacking self tissues. We have examined different cancer vaccination strategies and demonstrated that immune tolerance can be overcome by increasing the immunogenicity of target antigens or vaccine vectors leading to antitumor immunity. For instance, several gene-based tumor vaccines using adenovirus and/or dendritic cells as delivery systems are being explored in laboratory models and in human clinical trials. We are currently focusing on the understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the interactions between dendritic cells and effector cells such as T lymphocytes, NK and NKT cells, which will allow us to further improve dendritic cell-based vaccination therapy. We have also begun to explore the strategies combining cancer vaccine and oncolytic viral therapy to enhance overall therapeutic outcomes.
Another area of interest has been the study of relationship between antitumor immunity and autoimmunity. It has been a concern whether effective cancer vaccination against self tumor antigens will lead to normal tissue damage. In order to address that, we have developed several animal models which allow us to dissect the mechanisms underlying immune responses against tumor versus normal tissues.
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Another area of interest has been the study of relationship between antitumor immunity and autoimmunity. It has been a concern whether effective cancer vaccination against self tumor antigens will lead to normal tissue damage. In order to address that, we have developed several animal models which allow us to dissect the mechanisms underlying immune responses against tumor versus normal tissues.
Click to Shrink <<