G. B. Lesinski

VPAC2 receptor signaling promotes pancreatic cancer cell growth and decreases the immunogenicity of the tumor microenvironment.

This study shows that VPAC2 receptor signaling in pancreatic cancer cells promotes tumor growth and reduces immunogenicity, suggesting it as a therapeutic target.

Distinct host preconditioning regimens differentially impact the antitumor potency of adoptively transferred Th17 cells.

This study compares the effects of two host preconditioning methods on the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred Th17 cells, finding that total body irradiation enhances their efficacy more than chemotherapy.

Clinically relevant orthotopic pancreatic cancer models for adoptive T cell therapy

This study compares two orthotopic PDAC mouse models to evaluate their suitability for studying adoptive T cell therapy, finding that the MT-5 model better replicates the stromal features of human PDAC.

The degree of T cell stemness differentially impacts the potency of adoptive cancer immunotherapy in a Lef-1 and Tcf-1 dependent manner.

This study shows that varying levels of PI3Kδ pathway inhibition affect T cell stemness, with higher stemness improving cancer immunotherapy outcomes in multiple tumor models.

Augmenting TCR signal strength and ICOS costimulation results in metabolically fit and therapeutically potent human CAR Th17 cell therapy

This study shows that reducing TCR and co-stimulation signal strength in Th17 cell manufacturing enhances their metabolic fitness and antitumor efficacy in mesothelioma models.

Optical Control of Cytokine Signaling via Bioinspired, Polymer-Induced Latency

This paper develops a method to control cytokine signaling using light-activated polymers that induce latency and release cytokines on demand.

Dual blockade of IL-6 and CTLA-4 regresses pancreatic tumors in a CD4+ T cell-dependent manner.

This study shows dual IL-6 and CTLA-4 blockade regresses pancreatic tumors via CD4+ T cells and CXCR3-dependent mechanisms.