SUMMARY
Laura M. Rogers, Ph.D., studies cancer immunotherapy, with an emphasis on understanding genetic determinants of immune cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment.
In her studies, Dr. Rogers applies the Sleeping Beauty transposon system and bioinformatics approaches to identify novel molecular players in immune infiltration. She then works to understand the biology and therapeutic potential of these candidates using in vivo preclinical models and in vitro approaches.
Focus areas
Regulation of T cell trafficking
The presence of T cells in the tumor microenvironment is governed by a variety of cellular processes. Dr. Rogers identified several T cell genes that influence the intratumoral accumulation of T cells by regulating surface protein expression and distribution, cellular metabolism, and viability.
Dr. Rogers and her colleagues are investigating how disturbances in these cellular processes affect tumor growth and intratumoral trafficking of endogenous and adoptively transferred T cells.
Genomics and bioinformatics
Many cancers have primary or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. A large amount of genomic sequence data is being generated to understand the complex biological mechanisms that contribute to treatment response or resistance. This information can help improve therapies and advance development of biomarkers for response.
Dr. Rogers also uses forward genetic screens to complement genomic sequence studies and identify molecules that functionally contribute to antitumor immune responses.
Significance to patient care
Some cancer treatments, such as CAR-T cell therapy and other immunotherapies, help the body's immune system find and fight cancer cells. These treatments work best when T cells can get inside a tumor. Some tumors have very few T cells, though, which can make treatments like CAR-T cell therapy less effective. Dr. Rogers is studying new ways to help more T cells reach tumors. The goal is to make these cancer treatments work better for more patients.