Qi-Long Ying’s lab is working to generate a renewable source of immune cells that can be engineered to attack cancer and infections. His team has already made progress in cultivating progenitor cells that give rise to two key types of immune cells: macrophages and granulocytes. In collaboration with Rong Lu’s Lab, the Ying Lab is exploring ways to encourage granulocyte/macrophage progenitors (GMPs) to self-renew. They are testing whether these GMPs can develop into fully functional macrophages—which form the body’s first line of defense by engulfing and digesting invading bacteria and viruses, as well as cancers. They are also genetically modifying these GMPs to empower them to more aggressively attack cancer cells.
USC Stem Cell scientists are advancing our understanding of cancers of the lung, prostate, blood, colon, skin, pancreas, liver, brain, ovaries and eye. They are also using stem cells to find new regenerative therapies and drugs to treat cancer, one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
