About
We investigate the MHC class I antigen processing and presentation pathways. Our focus is on the aminopeptidases ERAP1 and ERAP2, and Tapasin. We are interested in the roles they play in editing the repertoire of peptides presented at the cell surface for recognition by CD8+ T cells and NK cells.
Understanding the principles behind key events in the MHC class I antigen processing pathway provides insights into how and why tumours escape immune detection and how we can reverse this process. Our research helps us to identify tumour antigens, uncovering neo-epitopes, through the development of antigen discovery pipelines. These are vital in generating new cancer therapies and translating neoantigens into vaccines.
We collabourate with biological sciences and chemistry researchers at the university, and around the world. Our collaborations enable:
- the progression of discovery science
- establishment of new technologies.
- translation of research into the clinic
Research themes
We work along side our collabourators to investigate a broad specturm of themes, including:
Molecular phenotyping and antigen processing and presentation
- Antigen discovery.
- Tumour phenotyping using multi-omic approaches and computational biology.
Antigen processing pathway
- Identification of allelic variants of antigen processing components and their function.
- Understanding the role of polymorphic variants in the generation of the peptide repertoire.
- Defining antigen presentation in tumours.
Modulating the antigen processing pathway for therapeutic benefit
- Development of methods to alter the presented peptide repertoire.
- Understanding how modulation of ERAP1/2 activity alters the repertoire and its impact on the anti-tumour response.
- Identifying strategies that promote antigen presentation and priming of T cells.
