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Matthew Vesely, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor of Dermatology
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Vesely lab

Harnessing immune regulation for the treatment of cancer and autoimmunity
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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

Immunology; Clinical Trials; Biomarkers

  • 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.
61Publications
6,588Citations

Publications

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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

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Board Certifications

  • Dermatology

    Certification Organization
    AB of Dermatology
    Original Certification Date
    2017

Yale Medicine News

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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
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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

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  • Chen Lab

    Lab

    West Campus Molecular Innovations Center

    600 West Campus Drive

    West Haven, CT 06516

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  • 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.

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