Damon Runyon Researchers

B cells, especially those that target cancer antigens, are crucial for fighting tumors; however, not everyone develops them. Our gut bacteria play a vital role in training B cells to recognize a wider range of threats. Dr. Brewer’s [HHMI Fellow] research explores how these gut bacteria influence the specificity of B cells, and thus our body’s ability to combat tumors. Dr. Brewer’s research aims to determine if the “training” of B cells by gut bacteria early in life influences their later responses to vaccines and cancer. This investigation may not only improve our understanding of how gut bacteria shape our immune system, but also pave the way for novel cancer treatments utilizing gut bacteria. Dr. Brewer received her PhD from Stanford University, Stanford and her BS from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.