Bailey, Stefanie R.
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatrics
Education
- BS, Biology, Lubbock Christian University
- PhD, Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina
Contact Information
Email: vvk2xx@virginia.edu
Research Disciplines
Cancer Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Immunology, Metabolism, Translational Science
Research Interests
Increasing the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cells
Research Description
Genetically engineering T cells with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) allows for recognition and subsequent destruction of cancer cells. While this has been a revolutionary treatment for many patients with B cell malignancies, several obstacles remain in the setting of relapsed/refractory disease and in solid tumors. Recent work has highlighted that a deeper mechanistic understanding of dogmas in the field, such as the importance of interferon gamma (IFNg) in cell-based therapies, can inform and improve future CAR-T therapies. Investigation of the dichotomous nature of IFNg has resulted in clinically-feasible approaches to increase the safety of CAR-T in hematologic malignancies, as well as improve the efficacy and persistence of CAR-T in solid tumors (Bailey, et al. Blood Cancer Discovery, 2022).
Building on this work, we will initially focus on understanding how cytokine crosstalk and intercellular interactions influence 1) CAR-T persistence, metabolism and anti-tumor activity and 2) the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment . Given the significant potential for CD4+ T cells in CAR-T (Bailey, et al. Nature Communications, 2017), as well as their tendency to be over-looked in cell therapy, we are particularly interested in exploring and capitalizing on this subset. Collectively, our team aims to leverage mechanistic discoveries to thoughtfully design and improve CAR-T therapies for children with cancer.