Welcome to the Chen Lab

The Chen Lab works to understand the molecular, biochemical, and functional aspects of cell surface molecular pathways, including costimulatory and coinhibitory molecules, in the control and modulation of immune responses. We are interested in translating laboratory findings into the development of new treatment options for cancer, autoimmune diseases, viral infections, transplantation rejection, and inflammation.  

• Conceptual establishment and experimental demonstration of T-cell co-signaling as an approach for cancer immunotherapy
• Discovery and optimization of the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway as the target for cancer immunotherapy 
• Discovery and optimization of 4-1BB (CD137)'s T cell biology and as a target for cancer immunotherapy
• New costimulatory and coinhibitory pathways and their roles in immune modulation