Skip to Main Content
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
Yale Home

INFORMATION FOR

    Matthew Vesely, MD, PhD

    Assistant Professor of Dermatology
    DownloadHi-Res Photo

    Vesely lab

    Harnessing immune regulation for the treatment of cancer and autoimmunity
    Visit Lab Website

    About

    Titles

    Assistant Professor of Dermatology

    Biography

    I am a physician-scientist with specialized training in immunology, molecular biology, genetics, and clinical dermatology. My career is dedicated to integrating fundamental immunology with clinical dermatology, with a particular focus on the role of costimulatory and inhibitory immune receptors in cancer immunity, autoimmune pathogenesis, and immunotherapy.

    My interest in this field was shaped during my training in the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University in St. Louis, where I conducted research in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Schreiber, investigating key molecular regulators of cancer immunoediting. This experience, combined with my growing expertise in skin immunology and the evolution of immunotherapies for melanoma, ultimately led me to pursue a career in dermatology.

    During my dermatology residency at Yale School of Medicine, I had the opportunity to further expand my research in immune checkpoint pathways under the mentorship of Dr. Lieping Chen, a pioneer in PD-1 axis-targeted cancer immunotherapy. This work deepened my focus on novel immune regulatory mechanisms, including programmed death receptor-1 homolog (PD-1H), also known as VISTA.

    My current research focuses on:

    1. Identifying novel immune checkpoints, such as PD-1H/VISTA, in cutaneous malignancies (e.g., melanoma and keratinocyte carcinomas).
    2. Elucidating the inhibitory immune landscape of chronic inflammatory skin disorders, including psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus and cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

    Through my research and clinical work, I strive to bridge the gap between immune system regulation and dermatologic disease, ultimately contributing to the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer and inflammatory skin conditions.

    Appointments

    Other Departments & Organizations

    Education & Training

    Resident
    Yale School of Medicine (Dermatology) (2014-2017) (2017)
    Intern
    Barnes Jewish Hospital (St. Louis) (2013-2014) (2014)
    PhD
    Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Immunology (2013)
    MD
    Washington University School of Medicine (2013)
    BS
    Creighton University, Biology, Theology, History (2003)

    Research

    Overview

    The Vesely Lab is dedicated to investigating the role of immune inhibitory receptors, often referred to as immune checkpoints, in autoimmune skin diseases and skin cancer. Our research leverages cutting-edge technologies, including spatial proteomics and transcriptomics, to analyze both human patient samples and mouse models of disease, enabling us to decipher key inflammatory pathways driving these conditions.

    Our primary areas of focus include:

    • Autoimmune skin diseases such as cutaneous lupus erythematosus and lichen planus, which currently lack FDA-approved therapies.
    • Chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, where additional therapeutic options are needed.
    • Cancer immune evasion mechanisms in melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, with the goal of uncovering novel immunoregulatory pathways.

    By visualizing immune regulatory patterns in both cutaneous autoimmunity and malignancies, our ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that can lead to more effective treatments for these complex dermatologic conditions.

    Medical Research Interests

    Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Dermatitis; Dermatitis, Atopic; Eczema; Immunoassay; Lichen Planus; Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous; Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid; Melanoma; Molecular Imaging; Psoriasis; Skin; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

    Public Health Interests

    Biomarkers; Clinical Trials; Immunology

    • ORCID

      0000-0001-9363-945X
    • Lab Whisk Cup Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.com

      Vesely lab

      Harnessing immune regulation for the treatment of cancer and autoimmunity

      View Lab Website

    Research at a Glance

    Publications Timeline

    A big-picture view of Matthew Vesely's research output by year.
    58Publications
    4,289Citations

    Publications

    Featured Publications

    See All Publications

    Clinical Care

    Overview

    Matthew Vesely, MD, is a dermatologist who treats psoriasis, eczema, and other autoimmune skin disorders. Dr. Vesely also sees patients with chronic skin diseases, including discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

    “Seeing patients who have been suffering from inflammatory skin diseases for years finally get relief with the help of a targeted therapy is very rewarding,” he says.

    Dr. Vesely says he enjoys working with patients and their families to find the best approach to treat a skin disorder. “I always explain that even if the first set of therapies are ineffective, we won't stop until we find the most effective treatment plan,” he says.

    Dr. Vesely says he chose his specialty after learning that a large number of skin diseases caused by an overactive immune system lack FDA-approved treatments. In his research, Dr. Vesely investigates emerging new therapies that could potentially help his patients.

    “Being able to research the same diseases I treat is extremely gratifying and motivating,” Dr. Vesely says.

    Clinical Specialties

    Dermatology

    Fact Sheets

    See All Fact Sheets On Yale Medicine

    Board Certifications

    • Dermatology

      Certification Organization
      AB of Dermatology
      Original Certification Date
      2017

    Yale Medicine News

    See All News On Yale Medicine

    Academic Achievements & Community Involvement

    • activity

      American Academy of Dermatology

      Professional OrganizationsFellow
    • activity

      Lancet, Nature Cancer, International Journal of Dermatology, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, JAAD Case Reports, Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology, Frontiers in Oncology, Frontiers in Immunology, Cancers

      Journal ServiceReviewer
    • activity

      Lupus Research Alliance

      Peer Review Groups and Grant Study SectionsGrant Reviewer
    • activity

      Society for Investigative Dermatology

      Professional OrganizationsMember
    • activity

      Medical Dermatology Society

      Professional OrganizationsMember
    See All Achievements

    Get In Touch

    Contacts

    Appointment Number
    Mailing Address

    Dermatology

    333 Cedar Street, LMP 5040, PO Box 208059

    New Haven, CT 06520-8059

    United States

    Administrative Support

    Locations

    • Dermatology

      Academic Office

      Hunter Building

      15 York Street, Rm HRT 603B

      New Haven, CT 06510

      Get Directions

    • Chen Lab

      Lab

      West Campus Molecular Innovations Center

      600 West Campus Drive

      West Haven, CT 06516

      Get Directions

    • Patient Care Locations

      Are You a Patient? View this doctor's clinical profile on the Yale Medicine website for information about the services we offer and making an appointment.

      See Patient Care Locations

    Events

    Mar 202512Wednesday
    Mar 202519Wednesday
    See All Events