In the Burr laboratory, we aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which cancer cells evade surveillance and control by the immune system, allowing tumours to develop and progress. We employ genome scale CRISPR genetic screening approaches, together with genomic and proteomic technologies, to uncover novel therapeutic targets to enhance immune recognition of cancer cells. We aim to both establish new approaches to enhance the efficacy of existing immunotherapies and develop new immune-based therapies to treat solid and haematological malignancies.

The development of effective immunotherapies, such as antibodies targeting immune checkpoint molecules PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, have produced remarkable survival benefits in many advanced cancers. These immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) activate tumour reactive T-cells, which drive tumour eradication. Specific detection of malignant cells harbouring mutated or abnormally expressed proteins by T cells relies on recognition of aberrant peptide antigens presented by MHC class I or MHC class II molecules. ICIs have therefore been most effective in cancers with a high mutation (neoantigen) burden. However, even highly mutated tumours are frequently refractory to ICI therapy and research in the Burr laboratory focuses on uncovering the mechanisms by which these cancers escape T-cell mediated immune control.

We have recently identified that epigenetic silencing of genes encoding components of MHC antigen processing and presentation pathways drives immune evasion in certain cancers, and that targeted inhibition of specific chromatin complexes can restore effective anti-tumour immunity. Using CRISPR based screening coupled with cell and molecular biology, and biochemical, genomic, and imaging technologies at bulk and single cell level, our lab aims to understand how dysregulation of immune activating or inhibitory pathways contributes to immune escape in cancer and apply this knowledge to develop novel therapeutic strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance.

Link to BurrLab website

Link to Snow Medical webpage on Associate Professor Marian Burr