01Dynamic organization of signaling clusters and nanodomains
Quantitative molecular mapping of how receptors organize and distribute on the cell surface. We are primarily interested in the spatiotemporal (re)organization of receptor molecules on the membrane of (CAR) T cells, B cells, and tumor cells. The overarching goal is to decipher how stoichiometry, receptor clustering, and mobility vary with signaling state and their roles in immune signaling fate. A second area of exploration is receptorome organization in cardiomyocytes and its role in heart failure.
02Cell-cell junction nanoarchitecture
We are deeply interested in resolving the 3D molecular architecture of intercellular junctions, from CAR T cell-based immune synapses to gap junctions, and to understand the role of local membrane organization in regulating cell-cell communication.
03Tumor microenvironment
Beyond cell-cell interactions, we aim to upscale our investigations on receptor organization and dynamics at the organoid and tissue scales, to uncover how spatial signaling patterns shape immunotherapeutic response.
04Aiding the design of next-gen immunotherapies
We are particularly interested in decoding how therapeutic antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and CAR T cells used in hematological malignancies function at the molecular level. Key questions include how antibody binding and receptor crosslinking elicit cytotoxic response, dissecting the dynamic organization of CAR siganalosome on T cell surface and at the synapse, etc. Developing a holistic understanding of receptor spatiotemporal organization and correlated efficacy of currently approved therapies, our findings will provide entirely new molecular-scale insights, thus helping clinicians to design refined therapies.