The Immunology Podcast

Ep. 120: “Empowering Immunity Against Cancer” Featuring Dr. Ana Anderson

Dec 2, 2025
Dr. Ana Anderson, a leading immunology researcher at Harvard, joins to discuss her groundbreaking work on T-cell regulation in cancer. She highlights the promise of checkpoint inhibitors like PD-1 and CTLA-4, while addressing the need to remodel the tumor microenvironment for better outcomes. Anderson emphasizes the importance of targeting myeloid cells and the advancements in adoptive cell therapies. She also shares insights from her research on TCF1's role in T-cell function and the exciting future directions in immunotherapy. Plus, she reveals her personal passion for rowing!
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INSIGHT

Checkpoint Biology Varies By Context

  • Checkpoint receptors differ in function and tissue specificity rather than acting identically across contexts.
  • Understanding each receptor's unique biology guides smarter therapeutic targeting.
INSIGHT

Remodel The Tumor Microenvironment

  • Remodel the tumor microenvironment because T cells alone often can't overcome suppressive tissues.
  • Targeting other compartments will be necessary to improve immunotherapy responses.
INSIGHT

TIM3’s Dual Roles Explain Mixed Trial Results

  • TIM3 acts on terminal T cells and also controls dendritic cell tolerogenic versus inflammatory states.
  • Therapeutic timing and target cell types determine whether TIM3 blockade helps patients.
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