Why don't the Killers kill?
Understanding the immune system to develop better immunotherapy


The immune system is an incredible weapon against tumors and yet, cancer is often able to evade immune attack. We are interested in understanding why a subset of immune cells named Natural Killer cells are unable to eliminate tumor cells and to find new ways to harness their activity against cancer.

1. Hsu J.+, Hodgins J.J.+, Marathe M., Nicolai C.J., Bourgeois-Daigneault M.C., Trevino T.N., Azimi C.S., Scheer A.K., Randolph H.E., Thompson T.W., Zhang L., Iannello A., Mathur N., Jardine K.E., Kirn G.A., Bell J.C., McBurney M.W., Raulet D.H. and Ardolino M. Contribution of NK cells to immunotherapy mediated by PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2018, 128(10):4654-4688
2.  Ardolino M., Azimi C.S., Iannello A., Trevino T.N., Horan L., Zhang L., Deng W., Ring A. Fischer S., Garcia K.C., Raulet D.H. Cytokine therapy reverses NK cell anergy in MHC-deficient tumors. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2014, 124 (11):4781-94
3.  Ardolino M., Zingoni A., Cerboni C., Cecere F., Soriani A., Iannitto M.L., Santoni A. DNAM-1 ligands expression on Ag-stimulated T lymphocytes is mediated by ROS-dependent activation of DNA-damage response: relevance for NK-T-cell interaction. Blood, 2011, 117 (18); 4778-86

Young scientists are welcome to apply for a position as a master student, graduate student or post-doctoral fellow in the lab. A strong immunological background is not required, whereas applicants should be willing to work hard in a collaborative environment.

Guidelines to apply as a Graduate Student at the University of Ottawa: https://www.uottawa.ca/graduate-studies/programs-admission/apply.
Post-doctoral fellows are strongly encouraged to obtain independent funding during their first year of work in the lab.

Applications should include a resume and a short statement of research interest, clearly describing why the applicant wants to join the lab. At least two references should be sent independently to Dr. Ardolino (m.ardolino@uottawa.ca).