Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy

Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy
The mission of the Center is to improve cancer patient care through the development and implementation of novel immunotherapies and targeted therapies for cancer.
Our vision is to grow basic, translational, and clinical research in tumor immunology, cancer biology and personalized medicine at the School of Pharmacy through the establishment of a team of multidisciplinary and interdepartmental investigators working in a highly collaborative and supportive environment.
![]() Maciej Markiewski, M.D., Ph.D.Center Director and Professor and Department of Immunotherapeutics and BiotechnologyFocus of Research: Tumor immunology, complement biology, pathology ![]() Magdalena Karbowniczek, M.D., Ph.D.Professor, Department of Immunotherapeutics and BiotechnologyMagdalena.Karbowniczek@ttuhsc.edu Focus of Research: Cancer biology, pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, extracellular vessicles Complete list of published work: ![]() Ninh "Irene" La-Beck, Pharm.D.Associate Professor, Department of Immunotherapeutics and BiotechnologyFocus of Research: Drug delivery systems, nanotechnology, tumor immunology Complete list of published work: ![]() Devin Lowe, Ph.D.Associate Professor, Department of Immunotherapeutics and BiotechnologyFocus of Research: Tumor immunology, cancer immunotherapy Complete list of published work: ![]() Sanjay K. Srivastava, Ph.D.Professor and Chair, Department of Immunotherapeutics and BiotechnologyFocus of Research: Cancer biology, drug repurposing, drug resistance, experimental therapeutics, and molecular pharmacology Complete list of published work: ![]() Todd Triplett, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, Department of Immunotherapeutics and BiotechnologyFocus of Research: T cell biology, tumor immunology, cancer immunotherpy Complete list of published work: ![]() Laurence Wood, Ph.D.Associate Professor, Department of Immunotherapeutics and BiotechnologyFocus of Research: Tumor immunology, listeria monocytogenes anticancer vaccines Complete list of published work: |
- Title: Investigate the role of extracellular vesicles in promotin>g the progression
of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Funded RO1 MPI grant.
- Investigators: M. Karbowniczek-Lead PI (TTUHSC), Dr. Jane Yu-PI (University of Cincinnati), and Dr. Maciej Markiewski-Co-Inv.
- Funding Agency: NHLBI/NIH
- Description: To study the role of LAM-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) cargo, SOX10, c-Src, and ITGalpha6/beta4 on EMT plasticity of LAM cells, activation of lung resident fibroblasts, lung ECM remodeling, and lung organotropic potentials of these vesicles.
- Title: Cholesterol metabolism in the pharmacology of liposomal therapeutics
- Investigators: La-Beck -Lead PI
- Funding Agency: NCI/NIH
- Description: The objectives of this proposal are to understand the metabolism of liposomal cholesterol and to develop cholesterol analogs tunable immune effects for liposomal drug formulation.
- Gupta N, Curcic M and Srivastava SK (2024). Proguanil suppresses breast tumor growth in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis via mitochondrial dysfunction. Cancers, 16, 872. Doi.org/10.3390/cancers16050872. PMID:38473234. (IF:5.2)
- Gaikwad S and Srivastava SK (2024). Reprogramming tumor immune microenvironment by milbemycin oxime results in pancreatic tumor growth suppression. Molecular Therapy, 32 (9), 1-18. Doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.07.029. PMID: 39097773. (IF: 12.01)
- Sajib MS, Zahra FT, Lamprou M, Akwii RG, Park JH, Osorio M, Tullar P, Doci CL, Zhang C, Huveneers S, Van Buul JD, Wang MH, Markiewski MM, Srivastava SK, Zheng Y, Gutkind JS, Hu J, Bickel U, Maeda DY, Zebala JA, Lionakis MS, Trasti S, Mikelis CM. Tumor-induced endothelial RhoA activation mediates tumor cell transendothelial migration and metastasis. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Sep 24:2024.09.22.614304. doi: 10.1101/2024.09.22.614304.PMID: 39372784.
Nikon Microscope AX-R
A flagship confocal microscope with integrated AI for peak combination of image area, resolution, speed and sensitivity featuring largest field of view (25mm field of view {FOV}), in both resonant and galvano mode. Ultra-high-speed imaging up to 720 fps at 2048 x 16 resolution in resonant mode, stunning 8K X 8K high definition resolution in Galvano mode and Equipped with 4 lasers 405, 488, 561, and 640nm. and 4-channel ultra-high sensitivity DUX VB GaAsP detectors. Artificial intelligence algorithms such as Denoise.ai, remove Poisson shot noise from resonant scanned images, and increase signal-to-noise ratio, Auto-signal.ai suggests a best acquisition configuration to improve image quality and user efficiency.
Aperio Scanscope
Create high-quality digital slides with the ultra-compact Aperio CS2 image capture device – from your desktop. With a five-slide capacity and 20X and 40x magnification capabilities, the Aperio CS2 is a highly reliable workhorse for medium-volume sites.
Aperio CS2 is the ideal tool for preparing slides and data to be shared with other team members for collaboration. Remote assessment of digital slides can improve study turnaround time and ease of access for team members.
A compact, small footprint, high image quality whole slide line scanning instrument, Aperio CS2 occupies only 1.6 square feet of bench top space.
BD LSR Fortessa Cell Analyzer
The BD LSRFortessa™ cell analyzer offers the ultimate choice for flow cytometry, providing power, performance, and consistency. Designed to be affordable and expandable, the BD LSRFortessa has the flexibility to support the expanding needs of multicolor flow cytometry assays. The BD LSRFortessa analyzer is configured with up to 3 lasers—blue, red, and violet- which simultaneously enables the detection of up to 13 colors. The BD LSR Fortessa may be upgraded subsequently with additional or new lasers from BD, as future requirements dictate.
Flow Cytometer Cell Sorter BD FACSAria
The BD FACSAria cell sorter sets a new standard for high-performance flow cytometry. Based on an entirely new instrumentation design, the BD FACSAria instrument is the first benchtop sorter that incorporates a fixed-alignment cuvette flow cell. The numerous technological advances embodied in the BD FACSAria cell sorter reduce the cost of owning a high-speed sorter and accelerate research by providing unparalleled, easy-to-use, high-performance sorting and analysis.
The BD FACS Aria sorter is configured with 2 lasers—blue and red - which simultaneously enables the detection of up to 7 colors and can be upgrade for 3lasers.
Irradiator RS2000
RS 2000 specializes in providing non-isotope, ionizing irradiation. Ionizing radiation that is similar to the radioactive sources, cobalt-60 and cesium-137. RS 2000 utilizes Rad Source’s X-ray tube technology and RAD+ reflector to generate an efficient and uniform X-ray ionizing radiation field, to provide excellent irradiation effect, and good repeatability.
IVIS Spectrum In Vivo Imaging System
IVIS from Perkin Elmer offers single-view 3D tomography for both fluorescent and bioluminescent reporters and has capability to illuminate either trans-illumination (from the bottom) or epi-illumination (from the top) fluorescent sources that can be analyzed in an anatomical context.
3D diffuse fluorescence tomography can be performed to determine source localization and concentration using the combination of structured light and trans-illumination fluorescent images.
Center Contact Information
Phone: 325.696.0430
email: Maciej.Markiewski@ttuhs.edu
Address: 1718 Pine St., Abilene, TX 79601