Our lab focuses on developing innovative therapeutic strategies to address the high mortality associated with solid tumors (lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and melanoma). A significant proportion of patients are diagnosed at metastatic stages, where conventional therapies often fail due to resistance mechanisms and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To overcome these challenges, our research aims to transform the tumor microenvironment to enhance responsiveness to immunotherapy. We are particularly interested in synthetic cellular engineering approaches that enable precise modulation of immune responses. Our current efforts center on:
Engineering mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as delivery vehicles for immunomodulatory agents. Read More
The Cao Lab at the University of Washington is a dynamic and interdisciplinary research group that focuses on two exciting and innovative research directions: mucosal immunoengineering and microbiome pharmaceutics. We aim to develop innovative and translatable tools that can prevent and treat a host of immunological disorders, including allergies, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases, as well as infectious diseases. Currently, our lab is deeply engaged in developing therapeutics that modulate the immune system by specifically targeting the microbiome and its associated metabolites. Read More
Our lab focuses on the structural analyses of glycoproteins and carbohydrate – protein interactions. We also develop new technologies for characterization and tracking of carbohydrates by mass spectrometry that sometimes includes instrument modification and software development. Read More