Biography
Dennis Jones, PhD is an Assistant 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.