Jennifer Altomonte’s research group focuses on the development of novel oncolytic virus-based cancer immunotherapeutics. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are replication-competent viruses that replicate specifically in cancer cells and cause direct and immune-mediated lytic effects. In particular, OVs are now being explored as a unique tool to modulate the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment and turn “cold” tumors “hot”. They are under intense development as monotherapies, as well as strategic components of combination approaches with other immunotherapeutics, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies (i.e. CAR T-cells). In Jennifer’s lab, optimized OV vectors are engineered, utilizing various therapeutic transgenes to enhance cancer-directed immune responses. Furthermore, rationally designed combination approaches and tumor vaccine strategies are under investigation. Additional efforts are focused on the elucidation of the therapeutic mechanisms and modulatory activities of these approaches by characterizing changes in immune cell signatures within the tumor microenvironment, the lymphatic system, and the periphery, which drive systemic abscopal effects. 

The group conducts highly translational research with a particular focus on the clinical development of viral therapies for tumors that are resistant to currently available therapeutics, with an emphasis on gastrointestinal tumors, such as heptocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer.