Damon Runyon Researchers

The bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epi) is nearly universally present on human skin, and certain strains are capable of eliciting immune responses that can be redirected against tumor antigens. Dr. Barkal is investigating how to harness the immunomodulatory properties of S. epi to develop a new class of T cell immunotherapy that is potent and tumor antigen-specific, avoiding the systemic side effects associated with current immunotherapies. Specifically, she is using a melanoma model to explore how to modulate T cell production with S. epi and how to use other skin bacteria for synergistic anti-tumor effects. This work will form the foundation for human trials of topical bacteria-based cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Barkal received her MD, PhD from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison and her BS from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.