Dennis Jones, PhD

Assistant Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

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.

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 May 15. 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