Cory A. Brennick

My career in cancer immunotherapy began with focusing on somatic mutations that give rise to tumor-specific antigens, or neoantigens. After thoroughly testing hundreds of putative neoantigens, we identified novel criteria that can predict a tumor rejection mediating neoantigen. Furthermore, we characterized the necessary T cell phenotype that mediates this tumor response. The results of the study left us with surprising findings in tumor immunity and more questions than we came in with. These questions lay the foundation for my lab's research. Another major aspect of my lab is investigating how to overcome the tumor microenvironment’s suppressive abilities. We are investigating the molecules secreted by the tumor microenvironment that inhibit T cell infiltration. Our study revealed a novel target overexpressed by multiple cancers. We have observed an increase in tumor burden and inhibition of T-cell infiltration and function in the presence of this molecule. We are currently unraveling the molecular mechanisms of inhibition of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, TIL. Through understanding the mechanisms behind this novel molecule, we can further understand the mechanisms surrounding tumor escape and develop new treatment modalities.

A frameshift-generated cancer neoepitope that controls tumor burden in prophylaxis as well as therapy. Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) 2025 Apr; CD8+ T Cell-Dependent Antitumor Activity In Vivo of a Mass Spectrometry-Identified Neoepitope despite Undetectable CD8+ Immunogenicity In Vitro. Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) 2023 Nov;211(12):1783-91 Neoepitope-Based Cancer Vaccines: Principle and Applications. Advances in Immunology and Immuno-techniques 2024 Nov;37-55 VISTA: A promising target for overcoming immune evasion in gynecologic cancers. International immunopharmacology 2024 Sep;138:112655 Prediction of cancer neoepitopes needs new rules. Seminars in Immunology 2020 Jan;47 Neoepitopes as cancer immunotherapy targets: key challenges and opportunities. Immuno