Alexander Huang, M.D.

Research

The Huang lab will investigate the underlying T cell responses from a new immunotherapy to develop safer and more effective treatment for melanoma. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) help our body’s own immune cells effectively target tumors by inhibiting the action of checkpoint proteins, which normally keep immune cells in check and prevent them from being overstimulated during an inflammatory response. In a recent clinical trial, the combined use of ICIs that target the PD-1 and LAG-3 checkpoint proteins showed less toxicity in patients with melanoma than another drug combination targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4, while retaining similar effects on tumors. Since LAG-3 is a new target, it is unclear how its inhibition contributes to tumor control and whether it contributes to the decrease in adverse effects in patients. Using cutting-edge sequencing technologies and a melanoma mouse model, I will examine the distribution of LAG-3 in melanoma tumors and determine changes in the makeup of tumor-fighting immune cells under LAG-3 inhibition. My lab will complement mouse studies with data from immunotherapy clinical trials to unveil critical T cell responses with the new therapeutic combination, work that has important implications on the development of safe and effective treatments for melanoma.