Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Joy Hsu L&S Sciences

Induction of PD-1 expression on NK cells by Tregs

Several lines of evidence support a role for Natural Killer (NK) cells in the immune response to tumors. We recently found that PD-1, a receptor capable of powerfully suppressing the functions of T cells, is expressed by NK cells. However, the cellular networks responsible for PD-1 expression on NK cells are not known. Here, we propose to study the contribution of Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in inducing PD-1 expression on NK cells, by using both an ex vivo and in vivo approach. The proposed research plan will provide important knowledge on the cross-talk between NK cells and Tregs in the context of an immune response to a tumor.

Message To Sponsor

I hope to one day forge a career in cancer immunology, and the SURF Independent program has enabled me to take one step closer to that goal. The funding provided by the Pergo Foundation has enabled me to pursue research this summer full-time, and will provide critical experience in conducting independent research. I truly appreciate the opportunity it provides.