Dennis Jones, PhD

Associate Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Biography

Dennis Jones, PhD is an Associate Professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. Our research focuses on understanding how tumors impact the functionality of blood vessels, which are essential for immune cells, such as T cells, to infiltrate tumors. Our previous studies have found that tumors can cause the compression and dysfunction of blood vessels, which ultimately limits T cell entry into the tumor. Therefore, our lab aims to develop approaches to improve vascular function within tumors, with the goal of increasing T cell entry. In combination, we will use immunotherapy to enhance the killing ability of T cells. Currently, we are testing this combination therapy in preclinical models. Our ultimate goal is to improve outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Our lab is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of trainees with expertise in cancer biology, immunology, and vascular biology. We employ a range of techniques, including in vitro and in vivo experiments, imaging, and molecular and cellular biology assays, to better understand the complex mechanisms underlying tumor-induced vascular dysfunction and immune suppression.

Publications

  • Published 5/15/2025

    Arroyo-Ataz G, Yagüe AC, Breda JC, Mazzilli SA, Jones D. Single-Cell Transcriptomics and Lineage Tracing Unveil Parallels in Lymphatic Muscle and Venous Smooth Muscle Development, Identity, and Function. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2025 Jul; 45(7):1207-1225. PMID: 40371470.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 12/16/2024

    Seidl M, Stoecklein NH, Jones D. Editorial: Tumor-draining lymph nodes. Front Immunol. 2024; 15:1533289. PMID: 39737167.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 9/27/2024

    Arroyo-Ataz G, Jones D. Overview of Lymphatic Muscle Cells in Development, Physiology, and Disease. Microcirculation. 2024 Nov; 31(8):e12887. PMID: 39329178.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 8/15/2024

    Lei PJ, Fraser C, Jones D, Ubellacker JM, Padera TP. Lymphatic system regulation of anti-cancer immunity and metastasis. Front Immunol. 2024; 15:1449291. PMID: 39211044.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 7/22/2024

    Arroyo-Ataz G, Yagüe AC, Breda JC, Mazzilli SA, Jones D. Transcriptional, developmental, and functional parallels of lymphatic and venous smooth muscle. bioRxiv. 2024 Jul 22. PMID: 39091770.

    Read at: PubMed

Other Positions

  • Graduate Faculty (Primary Mentor of Grad Students)
    Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Graduate Medical Sciences
  • Member, BU-BMC Cancer Center
    Boston University

Education

  • Yale University School of Medicine, PhD
  • Morehouse College, BS