Amanda W. Lund, Ph.D.

  • Associate Professor of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine
  • Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, School of Medicine
  • Cancer Biology Graduate Program, School of Medicine
  • Program in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, School of Medicine

Biography

The tumor microenvironment presents a significant obstacle to the efficacy of clinical cancer therapy. Recently we demonstrated that the lymphatic endothelium plays an active and dynamic role in regulating anti-tumor immunity. Lymphatic growth in the context of tumor formation alters local interstitial flows, cell trafficking and antigen delivery to the sentinel node; all of which may alter local immune responses. Our group explores the hypothesis that tumor-associated lymphatic vessels regulate the activation, local function, and retention of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in tumor microenvironments. We specifically explore these mechanisms in the context of the skin using mouse models of cutaneous acute viral infection and melanoma as well as patient samples. Understanding these mechanisms of regulation will provide novel therapeutic targets that synergize with existing immunotherapies.

Education and training

  • Degrees

    • B.S., 2005, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    • M.S., 2008, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    • Ph.D., 2009, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Areas of interest

  • Lymphatic vessels
  • Tumor immunology
  • Dermatopathology
  • Melanoma
  • T cells
  • Lymphocyte Trafficking

Publications

Publications