Stephen Hatfield

Biography

Stephen Hatfield, Ph.D., Associate Research Scientist, Sitkovsky Lab, New England Inflammation and Tissue Protection Institute, Northeastern University Our research at the New England Inflammation and Tissue Protection Institute at Northeastern University has focused on subverting tumor-induced suppression caused by the hypoxia-adenosinergic immunosuppressive pathway. We believe this physiological suppression is a critical barrier that must be overcome in the tumor microenvironment to fully realize the therapeutic potential of immunotherapy. Our studies have demonstrated that treatment with A2A Receptor small molecule antagonists can prevent the inhibition of the anti-tumor immune response and induce tumor rejection. In addition, we’ve also shown that breathing high oxygen-containing gas mixtures (60% oxygen) can also manipulate this immunosuppressive pathway in the tumor microenvironment. This suggests that immunosuppressive drugs represent a novel immunotherapeutic treatment modulating T- and NK cell immunity.

Research Interest

 Microbiology