Explore the Demehri Lab

Research Summary

The focus of the Demehri laboratory is to determine the role of the immune system in regulating the early stages of cancer development in order to harness its anti-tumor potential for cancer prevention and treatment. To date, several cancer immunotherapies have been developed with proven efficacy against late-stage cancers; however, the role of the immune system in preventing the early development of cancer remains uncertain. The research in the Demehri laboratory is focused on identifying the immune mechanisms that drive an immune activation sufficient to prevent cancer formation from pre-cancerous lesions. This approach raises a great opportunity to discover novel immune pathways that can be leveraged in cancer prevention and therapy.

demehri lab research
Immune Regulation of Early Cancer Development

Research Projects

The field of cancer immunology has made substantial advances in recent years by deciphering the role of the tumor infiltrating CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in attacking cancer cells, which have led to promising new cancer immunotherapeutics. The current immunotherapeutic approaches, however, are largely designed to boost the anti-tumor immune response that has already formed against late-stage metastatic cancers. Therefore, the current cancer immunotherapies like immune checkpoint blockade, which rely on a pre-existing CTL infiltrate in the tumor for their effects, are proven ineffective to treat cancers that frequently lack a significant anti-tumor immune infiltrate, especially during the early in-situ phases of their development. In order to expand the potential of cancer immunotherapy, our laboratory studies the pathways that lead to immune system activation against early phases of cancer development. Devising a mechanism to activate the immune system against earlystage cancers has clear immunopreventive implications by directly blocking the cancer promotion and immunotherapeutic benefits by potentiating the immunity against late disease.

To pursue this goal, our laboratory studies the role of alarmins, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)/stress signals, commensal viruses, carcinogens, and agingassociated factors in regulating early cancer development. The major areas of research in our laboratory are:

  1. Mechanisms of CD4+ T cell activation against cancer. Our laboratory has studied the mechanism of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in evoking tumor suppression. TSLP is an epithelial-derived cytokine that plays a central role in stimulating CD4+ T helper 2 (Th2)-mediated allergic diseases like atopic dermatitis and asthma. We have shown that high TSLP levels establish a dominant anti-tumorigenic immune environment preventing cancer promotion. Currently, our team investigates the detailed mechanism of TSLP anti-tumor function against solid cancers and examines its application for the treatment of precancerous skin and breast lesions in patients.
  2. Mechanisms of natural killer (NK) cell recruitment and activation against cancer. NK cells are known for their potent antitumor properties. However, their role in controlling cancer development in vivo remains unclear. Our laboratory utilizes an NK cell-specific activating ligand to determine the combination of signals necessary to activate NK cells against early stages of carcinogenesis and to identify the mechanism of anti-tumor immunity mounted by the activated NK cells to block cancer promotion and progression.
  3. The impact of commensal viruses-immune system interplay on the homeostasis of the organs exposed to environmental carcinogens. We aim to determine how the immune system’s control of commensal virome regulates the homeostasis of the virus-colonized tissues. Through this effort, we aim to realize the beneficial functions of commensal virome for the prevention and treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases that affect humans.
  4. Mechanisms of cancer promotion by the immune system. Although immune cells can mount anti-tumor immunity against cancer, they are also implicated in promoting cancer development in chronic inflammation. Our laboratory studies the initiating mechanisms of cancer-prone chronic inflammation development in the skin, pancreas, colon and liver, which are the major organs affected by chronic inflammation and its cancer sequela.

Research Positions

Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is available for a highly motivated individual with expertise in immunology, cancer biology and genomics. Expertise in biochemical, immunological and mice experimentations are required for this position.

Interested candidates should send their information including CV and the name of 2-3 references to Dr. Shawn Demehri: sdemehri1@mgh.harvard.edu

Publications

For the full list of publications from the Demehri lab, please visit PubMed here.

Huang M, Wang D, Huang J, Bae AN, Xia Y, Zhao X, Mortaja M, Azin M, Collier MR, Semenov YR, Park JH, Demehri S. Hepatitis B virus promotes liver cancer by modulating the immune response to environmental carcinogens. Nature Communications. 2025 Jun 27;16(1):5360. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-60894-z. PMID: 40579434.

Oka T, Smith SS, Oliver-Garcia VS, Lee T, Son HG, Mortaja M, Azin M, Garza-Mayers AC, Huang JT, Nazarian RM, Horn TD, Demehri S. Epigenomic regulation of stemness contributes to the low immunogenicity of the most mutated human cancer. Cell Rep. 2025 May 27;44(5):115561. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115561. PMID: 40250424.

Son HG, Ha DT, Xia Y, Li T, Blandin J, Oka T, Azin M, Conrad DN, Zhou C, Zeng Y, Hasegawa T, Strickley JD, Messerschmidt JL, Guennoun R, Erlich TH, Shoemaker GL, Johnson LH, Palmer KE, Fisher DE, Horn TD, Neel VA, Nazarian RM, Joh JJ, Demehri S. Commensal papillomavirus immunity preserves the homeostasis of highly mutated normal skin. Cancer Cell. 2025 Jan 13;43(1):36-48.e10. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.11.013. PMID: 39672169.

Oka T, Smith SS, Son HG, Lee T, Oliver-Garcia VS, Mortaja M, Trerice KE, Isakoff LS, Conrad DN, Azin M, Raval NS, Tabacchi M, Emdad L, Das SK, Fisher PB, Cornelius LA, Demehri S. T helper 2 cell-directed immunotherapy eliminates precancerous skin lesions. J Clin Invest. 2025 Jan 2;135(1). doi: 10.1172/JCI183274. PMID: 39744942.

Park, J.H., Mortaja, M., Son, H.G., Zhao, X., Sloat, L.M., Azin, M., Wang, J., Collier, M.R., Tummala, K.S., Mandinova, A., Bardeesy, N., Semenov, Y.R., Mino-Kenudson, M., Demehri, S., Statin prevents cancer development in chronic inflammation by blocking interleukin 33 expression. Nature Communications. 2024 May 30;15(1):4099. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-48441-8. PMID: 38816352.

Huang, M., Xia, Y., Li, K., Shao, F., Feng, Z., Li, T., Azin, M., and Demehri, S., Carcinogen exposure enhances cancer immunogenicity by blocking the development of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. J Clin Invest. 2023 Oct 16;133(20). PMID: 37843274.

Hasegawa, T., Oka, T., Son, H. G., Oliver-García, V. S., Azin, M., Eisenhaure, T. M., Lieb, D.J., Hacohen, N., Demehri, S., Cytotoxic CD4+ T cells eliminate senescent cells by targeting cytomegalovirus antigen. Cell. 2023 Mar 30;186(7):1417-1431.e20. PMID: 37001502.

Boieri, M., Malishkevich, A., Guennoun, R., Marchese, E., Kroon, S., Trerice, K. E., Awad, M., Park, J. H., Iyer, S., Kreuzer, J., Haas, W., Rivera, M. N., Demehri, S., CD4+ T helper 2 cells suppress breast cancer by inducing terminal differentiation. J Exp Med. 2022 Jul 4;219(7) PMID: 35657353.

Bunting, M.D., Vyas, M., Requesens, M., Langenbucher, A., Schiferle, E. B., Manguso, R. T., Lawrence, M. S., Demehri, S., Extracellular matrix proteins regulate NK cell function in peripheral tissues. Science Advances. 2022 Mar 18;8(11):eabk3327. PMCID: PMC8926340.

Schiferle, E. B., Cheon, S. Y., Ham, S., Son, H. G., Messerschmidt, J. L., Lawrence, D. P., Cohen, J. V., Flaherty, K. T., Moon, J. J., Lian, C. G., Sullivan, R. J., Demehri, S., Rejection of benign melanocytic nevi by nevus-resident CD4(+) T cells. Science Advances 7, (2021).

Li, K., Li, T., Feng, Z., Huang, M., Wei, L., Yan, Z., Long, M., Hu, Q., Wang, J., Liu, S., Sgroi, D. C., Demehri, S., CD8(+) T cell immunity blocks the metastasis of carcinogen-exposed breast cancer. Science Advances 7, (2021).

Park, J. H., Ameri, A. H., Dempsey, K. E., Conrad, D. N., Kem, M., Mino-Kenudson, M., Demehri, S., Nuclear IL-33/SMAD signaling axis promotes cancer development in chronic inflammation. EMBO J 40, (2021).

Strickley JD, Messerschmidt JL, Awad ME, Li T, Hasegawa T, Ha DT, Nabeta HW, Bevins PA, Ngo KH, Asgari MM, Nazarian RM, Neel VA, Jenson AB, Joh J, and Demehri S. Immunity to commensal papillomaviruses protects against skin cancer. Nature. 2019 Nov;575(7783):519-522. PMID: 31666702.

Cunningham, T.J., Tabacchi, M., Eliane, J.P., Tuchayi, S.M., Manivasagam, S., Mirzaalian, H., Turkoz, A., Kopan, R., Schaffer, A., Saavedra, A.P., Wallendorf, M., Cornelius, L.A., and Demehri, S. Randomized trial of calcipotriol combined with 5-fluorouracil for skin cancer precursor immunotherapy. J Clin Invest 2017; 127(1): 106-116.


Our Researchers

Shawn DemehriShawn Demehri, M.D., Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Massachusetts General Hospital
Harvard Medical School

B.S.: Biology, Washington State University
M.D.: Washington University in St. Louis
Ph.D.: Cell and Molecular Biology, Washington University in St. Louis
Residency: Dermatology, Barnes Jewish Hospital/ Washington University
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis

 

Kentaro Awaji Kentaro Awaji, M.D., Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

M.D.: The University of Tokyo, Japan
Ph.D.: Dermatology, The University of Tokyo, Japan

Kentaro has worked as a clinician in Japan for ten years in the field of internal medicine and dermatology. He received his Ph.D. degree in Dermatological sciences in 2022, studying the role of Fli1 deficiency in B cells on the development of systemic sclerosis. He specializes in connective tissue diseases and skin cancers and is well-versed in autoimmunity, fibrosis, and cancer management. In the Demehri Lab, Kentaro is studying the contribution of fibrosis induced by aberrant immune cell activation in the development of UV-induced skin cancers.

 

Marjan Azin Marjan Azin, M.D.

Research Fellow

M.D.: Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Iran

Marjan received her medical diploma from Tehran University of Medical Science in 2015. She has directed research projects at her hospital, studying the prognostic significance of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) in colorectal cancer survival, the effect of exercise program in serum Vaspin level in diabetic patients, and studying sleep disorders in patients with neuropathic pain. At Children Medical Center, she the immune dysregulation in children with allergic skin diseases. Marjan is studying the role of alarmins in suppressing cancer development in patients with breast cancer cutaneous metastasis in the Demehri lab.

 

Joanna Cheng Joanna Cheng

Medical Student

M.D.: Charité – Berlin University of Medicine, Germany (in progress)

Joanna is a medical student with a strong interest in cutaneous cancer immunology. In the Demehri Lab, she investigates how alarmins and other stress signals regulate local immune responses in epithelial tissues. Her research focuses on mechanisms that support tissue homeostasis and contribute to the understanding of immune-mediated prevention of early tumor development.

 

Yongjune Choi Yongjune Choi, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Pharm.D.: Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea
Ph.D.: Pharmacology, Seoul National University, South Korea

Yongjune received his Pharm.D. in 2018 and his Ph.D. in 2024 studying novel pharmacological targets for treating intractable cancers. He found that radiotherapy-induced damage to normal tissues can create a tumor-promoting microenvironment through the activation of Src family kinases (SFKs) in epithelial cells and demonstrated that SFK-targeting drugs can prevent this effect. Additionally, he proposed a dual-targeting strategy involving RET and FLT3 for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. In the Demehri lab, Yongjune focuses on studying the mechanisms by which commensal viruses contribute to lung cancer prevention.

 

Danielle Conrad Danielle Conrad

Research Technologist (Lab Manager)

B.A.: Anthropology, University of Cincinnati
B.A.: Archaeology, University of Cincinnati
B.S.: Biological Science, University of Rhode Island

Danielle joined Demehri lab as a Biological Science graduate from URI. With a background in healthcare, she is assisting with the clinical aspects of the laboratory research and working with other lab members on their research projects. She is interested in studying the role that genetics play in cancer development and treatment.

 

Magda Dawit Magda Dawit

Undergraduate Student

Magda is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University pursuing a B.S. degree in Health Science on the Premed track. She is working with other lab members to determine the role of polyomaviruses on immune response in cancer and inflammatory diseases while expanding her knowledge of the field and her research skills.

 

Parisa Farokh Parisa Farokh, M.D.

Research Fellow

M.D.: Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Iran

Parisa earned her medical degree from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. She has a background in dermatology and cancer research. In the Demehri Lab, Parisa works with other lab members to understand how extracellular matrix proteins regulate natural killer (NK ) cell function in the skin and solid tumors to enhance NK cell therapies. In addition, she is involved in a clinical trial aimed at establishing an effective topical immunotherapy for actinic keratosis in organ transplant recipients.

 

Alexandra Fauvre Alexandra Fauvre, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

A.S.: Biological and biochemical analyses, La Rochelle University, France
B.S.: Physiology and Neurosciences, Poitiers University, France
M.S.: Cancer Biology, Montpellier University, France
Ph.D.: Health Biology/Immuno-oncology, CBS2 Doctoral School, Montpellier University, France

Alexandra earned her Ph.D. in 2023, working on chemotherapy immunomodulatory effects in combination with immunotherapy to treat cancer. By studying STING pathway and interferon response crosstalk in a 3D spheroid model of chemotherapy-treated urothelial carcinoma, she identified ATF3 as a new potential target to improve anti-tumor immunity. Using a colon carcinoma mouse model, she demonstrated that the combination of oxaliplatin, ATR inhibitor, and anti-PD1 antibody controls tumor growth and protects against tumor rechallenge by inducing local and systemic changes in the immune compartment. In the Demehri Lab, Alexandra is working on projects aiming to investigate the role of the immune system in breast cancer development, and particularly how to harness BRCA mutant breast gland-infiltrating T cells for breast cancer immunoprevention.

 

Talie Fulton Talie Fulton

Medical Student

B.A.: Biology and Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis
M.D.: Harvard Medical School (in progress)

Talie received her bachelor's degree in neuroscience from Washington University in St. Louis in 2023 where she studied the neural mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. She is currently an MD student in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program. She is interested in understanding the interplay between the immune system and virome in the development of skin cancer and how this knowledge could be leveraged with therapeutics to improve patient outcomes.

 

Hiroshi HiguchiHiroshi Higuchi, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S., M.S. & Ph.D.: Bioengineering, Nagoya University, Japan

Hiroshi received his Ph.D. in 2016 studying the role of sialic acid-binding lectin Siglecs in the inflammatory regulation in macrophages. He also worked on the analysis of macrophage function in the development of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B-cell lymphoma as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Japan. In this study, he demonstrated the importance of extracellular vesicles as a novel communicator between tumor cells and macrophages. His current work in the Demehri Lab is focused on the innate immune function of epithelial cells in response to papillomavirus infection.

 

Jiao HuangJiao Huang, M.D., Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

M.D.: Sun Yat-sen University, China
Ph.D.: The University of Hong Kong

Jiao earned her Ph.D. in 2024, focusing on the upstream regulators of MHC-I in hepatocellular carcinoma. Her research identified that FASN inhibition reduces MHC-I degradation and enhances the efficacy of PD-L1 checkpoint blockade. In the Demehri Lab, Jiao leverages her expertise in immunological and molecular biology techniques to investigate the immune system's role in the initiation and progression of various cancers, including gastrointestinal, skin and lung cancers.

 

Unser JaffryUnser Jaffry

Research Technician

B.S.: Biology, Michigan State University

Unser graduated from Michigan State University in 2024, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology on a premed track. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted research on chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain, as well as cholesterol crystals. He also gained experience in clinical research while working during his undergraduate years. In the Demehri lab, Unser collaborates with lab members to explore the role of polyomaviruses in the immune response related to cancer and inflammatory diseases while further developing his research skills.

 

Suhani JainSuhani Jain

Undergraduate Student

Suhani is studying Biology and Business Administration at Northeastern University. She has previously conducted research related to Alport's syndrome, diabetic wound healing, and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Currently, in the Demehri lab, she is working on a project focusing on Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), specifically investigating the XPC gene. During her time in the lab, Suhani aims to deepen her understanding of dermatological diseases and contribute to the development of better preventive and therapeutic approaches in the field.

 

Victor JiaVictor Jia

Research Technician

B.S.: Molecular Biology, University of Michigan

Victor graduated from the University of Michigan in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology. He conducted research on the opportunistic pathogen Serratia marcescens, studying novel proteins in its accessory genome and their contribution to pathogenesis. In the Demehri lab, Victor is interested in studying viral immunology and cancer development.

 

Yunxuan LeiYunxuan Lei, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

B.Sc.: Medical Laboratory Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, China
Ph.D.: Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China

Yunxuan earned her Ph.D. in Immunology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in 2024. Her research revealed that synovial microenvironment-influenced mast cells contribute to disease progression and may serve as potential targets for immune therapies in rheumatoid arthritis. In the Demehri Lab, Yunxuan is currently investigating the role of commensal viruses in cancer immunosurveillance and therapy.

 

Mengna LiMengna Li, M.D., Ph.D.

Research Fellow

M.D.: Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College, China
Ph.D.: Peking Union Medical College / Tsinghua University, China

Mengna received her Ph.D. degree in Dermatology in 2020, focusing on the roles of non-coding RNAs in ultraviolet-induced skin photoaging. During her clinical work as a dermatologist, she has been dedicated to researching the role of Sirtuin 6 in ultraviolet B-induced skin damage. In the Demehri Lab, Mengna is investigating the role of skin commensal viruses and the immune system in ultraviolet-induced early skin carcinogenesis and aging.

 

Alex McGarryAlex McGarry

Undergraduate Student

Alex is pursuing a B.S. in Biology at Boston University. He is participating in projects involving NK cell activation in solid tumors via extracellular matrix proteins and the role of TSLP in postnatal breast gland differentiation. Through working in the lab, he continues to broaden his understanding of research regarding immunology as well as develop wet skills within the lab.

 

Ethan MillardEthan Millard

Research Technician

B.S.: Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University

Ethan participated in undergraduate research studying early embryonic development in Xenopus and zebrafish, specifically focusing on the role Aquaporins play in mediating convergent extension, an essential process for the formation of the nervous system. He interned at the Buck Institute in the Verdin lab, where he studied CD38’s role on NAD+ decline and aging within the brain. In the Demehri lab, Ethan will work with other lab members to help uncover the role T cells play in breast cancer formation and prevention.

 

Rosanna MonettaRosanna Monetta, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S.: Biological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
M.S.: Molecular Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
Ph.D.: Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy

Rosanna earned her Ph.D. in 2022, specializing in genodermatoses and cardiovascular diseases associated with cell adhesion defects. Her research focused on identifying the molecular bases of these diseases and characterizing the underlying altered pathways. Following her Ph.D., Rosanna undertook a postdoctoral position at the Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-Fondazione Luigi Maria Monti-IRCCS in Italy, where she investigated a non-competitive antagonist of the TrkB receptor, hypothesized to inhibit invasion in squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, she utilized 3D printing technology to develop more physiologically accurate skin models and recreate pathophysiological environments for studying squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Currently, in the Demehri Lab, Rosanna is working on projects aiming to investigate the role of NK receptors in the regulation of breast cancer and melanoma.

 

Melanie SchollMelanie Scholl, M.D.

Research Fellow

M.D.: Medical University Varna, Bulgaria

Melanie received her M.D. degree from the Medical University of Varna in 2021. She conducted clinical research in psychiatry and has experience in dermatological surgery. In the Demehri Lab, Melanie collaborates with lab members to investigate the role of the immune system in regulating skin aging and explore the impact of fibrosis induced by aberrant immune cell activation in the development of skin cancer.

 

Heehwa (Grace) SonHeehwa (Grace) Son, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

B.Sc.: Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
M.S. & Ph.D.: Molecular biology and Genetics, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, South Korea

Heehwa received her PhD in molecular biology and genetics in 2018 studying the roles of RNA quality controls in aging process using a model organism, C. elegans. She found that one of the RNA quality control mechanisms, nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, has protective effects against aging. She also worked on investigating the roles of chaperones in lifespan regulation. In the Demehri lab, she is working on the cellular impacts of immunotherapies on early stage epithelial cancers.

 

Ingie SorourIngie Sorour

Medical Student

B.A.: Neuroscience, University of Chicago
M.D.: University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (in progress)

Ingie Sorour earned her B.A. in Neuroscience with a minor in Health and Society from the University of Chicago in 2022. As an undergraduate, she conducted research at Harvard Medical School on the temporal dynamics of Sonic Hedgehog protein expression in the mammalian cortex and its role in neuronal structure formation. At UChicago Medicine, she investigated asthma health disparities in both clinical and community settings, with a focus on underserved populations. She is currently an MD student at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. In the Demehri Lab, she studies how the immune system suppresses carcinogenesis in epithelial tissues with impaired DNA repair mechanisms.

 

Ryota Tanaka, M.D., Ph.D.Ryota Tanaka, M.D., Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

M.D.: University of Tsukuba, Japan
Ph.D.: Dermatology, University of Tsukuba, Japan

Ryota worked as a clinician in Japan, trained both as a dermatologist and an oncologist. In 2020, he received his Ph.D. degree demonstrating the pathophysiology of anti-programmed cell death (PD)-1 antibody-induced psoriasiform dermatitis. He also has shown differential involvement of PD-ligands in skin immune responses. In the Demehri Lab, Ryota is working on a project to elucidate the role of the immune system in suppressing the carcinogenesis of epithelial tissues in which mutated DNA is accumulated.

 

Stergiani (Stella) TelliouStergiani (Stella) Telliou

Graduate Research Assistant

B.S.: Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Stella conducted undergraduate research at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to determine the role of the EZH2 protein and other epigenetic regulators in human Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) cell lines. She also completed an internship at the National Hellenic Research Foundation studying the biocompatibility of advanced biomaterials/ bioactive molecules. In the Demehri lab, she is working to understand the role of the immune system in regulating breast cancer development.

 

Xiaoyu (Charlene) WangXiaoyu (Charlene) Wang

MD/PhD Student

M.D. and Ph.D.: Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (in progress)

Charlene is a medical student pursuing her M.D./Ph.D. in the physician-scientist program at Tsinghua University. With a passion for bridging clinical practice and research, she previously explored 3D bioprinting techniques to create vascularized tumor models, shedding light on tumor-vascular interactions and advancing patient-specific drug screening. Her current research in Demehri lab delves into the role of commensal viruses in maintaining skin homeostasis.

 

Hannah WuHannah Wu

Research Student

B.S.: Double major in Biology and Psychology, Lyon College, Arkansas
M.D.: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (in progress)

Hannah is a medical student currently completing a dedicated research year in the Demehri Lab, where she focuses on exploring extracellular matrix–natural killer (ECM–NK) cell interactions to enhance immunotherapeutic strategies for melanoma. During medical school, Hannah has pursued an interest in tumor immunology and translational research. She has contributed to studies examining immunotherapeutic strategies for metastatic melanoma and the impact of the tumor microenvironment on treatment efficacy. In addition, she has contributed to clinical research on neurofibromatosis, broadening her experience in translational oncology. Hannah wishes to expand her knowledge in dermatologic research to help patients with skin diseases.

 

Yun Xia, Ph.D.Yun Xia, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

B.Sc.: Biotechnology, Anhui normal University, China
M.Sc.: Immunology, Soochow University, China
Ph.D.: Immunology, Tsinghua University, China

Yun received his PhD degree in immunology from Tsinghua University in 2020. He found that mevalonate pathway inhibitors could induce strong immune responses and were suitable for vaccine adjuvants. The adjuvanticity associated with mevalonate pathway inhibition activates multiple arms of immunity, including Th1 and cytolytic T cell responses and is thus suitable for cancer immunotherapies. This discovery presented a new approach for the development of both vaccine and cancer research. In the Demehri lab, Yun focuses on studying the role of alarmins in COVID-19 response and the role of commensal viruses in immunity at epithelial sites.

 

Connie YuConnie Yu

Medical Student

B.S.: Biopsychology, Tufts University
M.D.: Tufts University School of Medicine (in progress)

Connie Yu is a medical student at Tufts University School of Medicine. She has previously conducted research at UTHealth Houston and the Broad Institute, focusing on neuroinflammation and human genetic variants linked to neuropsychiatric disorders. In the Demehri Lab, she is working to better understand the immunological mechanisms driving epithelial cancers.

 

Amy ZengAmy Zeng

Undergraduate Student

Amy is an undergraduate at Tufts University, studying Biology and Life Chemistry on the Pre-med track. She previously interned at a company in China, which focused on advancing CAR-T cell therapies. In the Demehri lab, she is working with other lab members to explore the role of papillomavirus on immune response activation against cancer. During her time in the lab, she hopes to expand her research skills and explore the possibilities of early cancer prevention.

 

Can (Nora) ZhouCan (Nora) Zhou, M.D.

Graduate Student

M.D.: Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, China
Ph.D.: Dermatology, Zhejiang University, China (in progress)

Nora received her M.D. degree in 2021 and is now pursuing a Ph.D. degree in dermatology at Zhejiang University, where she investigates the pathogenic mechanisms of skin diseases related to human papillomavirus infection, focusing primarily on the effects of the HPV E7 protein on mitochondrial autophagy and cell proliferation. At the Demehri Lab, Nora is expanding her studies to explore how interactions between skin commensal viruses and the immune system influence the development of skin cancer and other dermatological conditions.

 

Xutu Zhao, M.D.Xutu Zhao, M.D.

Research Fellow

B.M.: Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, China
M.D.: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China

Xutu received his M.D. from Sun Yat-sen University in 2022. He worked as a clinician and focused on treating malignant breast tumors at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in China. In the Demehri lab, his work will focus on investigating the role of the immune system in regulating the development of breast cancer.

 


 

Demehri Lab Alumni
  • Amir Ameri, M.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Internal Medicine Resident at the Johns Hopkins University
  • Mary Awad, M.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Dermatology Resident at University of Massachusetts School of Medicine
  • Margherita Boieri, Ph.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Scientist at Zelluna Immunotherapy, Norway
  • Jasmine Blandin
    After the Demehri Lab: Medical student at Médecine Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
  • Mark Bunting, Ph.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Postdoctoral Fellow in the Genome Editing Laboratory at the University of Adelaide and South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHRMI), Australia
  • Scarlett (Se Yun) Cheon
    After the Demehri Lab: Medical Student at Tulane University (starting in 2023)
  • Rikke Louise Christensen, M.Sc.
    After the Demehri Lab: Graduate Student at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Trevor Cunningham
    After the Demehri Lab: Senior Research Technologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  • Kaitlin Dempsey
    After the Demehri Lab: Physician Assistant Student at Cornell University
  • Roy Feng, M.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Sr. Physician at BeiGene Co., China
  • Ranya Guennoun
    After the Demehri Lab: MD-PhD Student at Washington University in St. Louis
  • Aeden Ghebreselassie, MSN, NP-C
    After the Demehri Lab: Family Nurse Practitioner, Woodbridge, Virginia
  • Tatsuya Hasegawa, Ph.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Scientist at Shiseido Co., Japan
  • Jennet Hojanazarova
    After the Demehri Lab: Immunology PhD student at Harvard University
  • Satoshi Horiba
    After the Demehri Lab: Scientist at Shiseido Co., Japan
  • Mei Huang, Ph.D
    After the Demehri Lab: Associate Research Fellow at University of Science and Technology, China
  • Sanne Kroon
    After the Demehri Lab: PhD student in ETH Zurich, Inst. of Molecular Health Sciences, Netherlands
  • Truelian Lee, M.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Combined Internal Medicine-Dermatology Resident, MedStar/Georgetown University
  • Kaiwen Li, M.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Associate Professor in the Department of Urology at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, China
  • Tiancheng Li, M.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Associate Professor and Associate Chief Physician in the Department of Otolaryngology at Peking University First Hospital, China
  • Elena Lopez
    After the Demehri Lab: MD/MBA Student at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine (starting in 2022)
  • Jonathan Messerschmidt
    After the Demehri Lab: MD-PhD Student at Duke University
  • Emanuela Marchese, Ph.D
    After the Demehri Lab: Medical scientific liaison at Maven Pharma, Italy
  • Sara Moradi Tuchayi, M.D., M.P.H.
    After the Demehri Lab: Postdoctoral Fellow at Wellman Center, MGH
  • Mahsa Mortaja, M.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Postdoctoral Fellow at CBRC, MGH
  • Kenneth Ngo
    After the Demehri Lab: Lead Research Associate at Dana Farber Cancer Institute
  • Tomonori Oka, M.D., Ph.D
    After the Demehri Lab: Clinical Research Director at Sanofi, Boston
  • Valeria Oliver-García
    After the Demehri Lab: Medical student at Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine, Puerto Rico
  • Jongho Park, Ph.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Assistant Professor, Keimyung University, Korea
  • Domitille Peigney
    After the Demehri Lab: Master’s student in Biology and Health, École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, France
  • Quan Pham
    After the Demehri Lab: Immunology PhD student at the Rockefeller University
  • Marta Requesens Rueda
    After the Demehri Lab: PhD student in Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen (RUG), Netherlands
  • Erik Schiferle
    After the Demehri Lab: PhD Student at Boston University
  • Grace Seifu
    After the Demehri Lab: Undergraduate Student at Harvard University
  • Sabrina Smith
    After the Demehri Lab: Medical Student at the University of Central Florida
  • Kathryn Trerice
    After the Demehri Lab: Undergraduate Student at Harvard University
  • Maulik Vyas, Ph.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Senior Scientist at Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Bo Wang, Ph.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Associate Research Fellow at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China
  • Dongyao Wang, Ph.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Associate Professor, Deputy Director of the Department of Hematology at The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China
  • Anniek Zaalberg
    After the Demehri Lab: PhD Student at Netherlands Cancer Institute, Netherlands
  • Anna Zemel, Ph.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Instructor at Ariel University, Israel
  • Eray Yihui Zhou, M.D.
    After the Demehri Lab: Attending Dermatologist at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, China