Assoc. Prof. Joanne Lysaght

Research Description:

My research group focuses on the role of lymphocytes, primarily T and NK cells in anti-cancer immune responses, with the goal to improve response rates to immunotherapies. The majority of our research is focused on upper gastrointestinal cancer, particularly oesophageal, gastric and pancreatic cancer. A major research interest is investigating the relatively unknown immune-independent signalling of immune checkpoint receptors in tumour cells and how this may lead to cancer progression and treatment resistance. We are also investigating the impact, efficacy and scheduling of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in combination with immunotherapies, namely immune checkpoint inhibitors and how the physical tumour microenvironment, such as hypoxia and nutrient deprivation, impacts anti-tumour T cell function and response to immunotherapy. Targeting the regulation and trafficking of lymphocytes to enhance the efficacy of cellular immunotherapies is also being investigated. Other areas of interest include identifying novel immunotherapeutic targets in the pre-malignant setting, which can be used to slow or prevent progression to malignancy and we are actively researching the impact of obesity on local and systemic inflammation, anti-tumour immunity and cancer-associated cachexia.