Joyce Solheim, PhD

A significant advance in the area of cancer immunology has been the characterization of tumor-associated antigens recognized by T lymphocytes. These tumor-associated antigens have been found to be peptides, derived from tumor-specific proteins that are bound to cell surface receptors called major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Once a T lymphocyte has recognized an MHC molecule that bears a tumor peptide, it lyses the cell to prevent further spread of the malignancy. To transport a tumor peptide to the cell surface, the class I MHC heavy chain must first bind to it inside the cell, assisted by a group of proteins.

Joyce Solheim, PhD, and her laboratory are studying the assembly of the class I MHC molecule with peptides and the intracellular trafficking of the class I MHC molecule, with the goal of identifying ways in which those processes influences the type and quantity of tumor-specific antigens that are presented to T lymphocytes, and with the goal of increasing the expression of MHC molecules on tumors. It is hoped that effective therapies will be developed against pancreatic and breast cancers.

Courtesy of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Office of Strategic Communications