Cancer Hematopoiesis and Immunology (CHI)

The mission of University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center Cancer Hematopoiesis and Immunology (CHI) Program is to generate new insights into the nature and biology of immunity and hematopoiesis during homoeostasis and in the settings of cancer and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The CHI program’s overarching goals are to delineate molecular mechanisms regulating immune/hematopoietic cells, their interactions with the microenvironment, and the development of therapeutic strategies that can be translated in an inter-programmatic manner. To build on advances from the last period, Program aims include: 1) Elucidate the mechanisms regulating immune and non-immune hematopoietic cell function during homeostasis, cancer progression, and cellular therapy; 2) Understand the mechanisms of cross-talk between immune cells and nonimmune cells in cancer therapy and HCT; and 3) Define key concepts, approaches, and reagents in preclinical studies to translate selected advances into the clinic to improve cancer outcomes and quality of life for patients and survivors. The CHI program is aligned with two Rogel strategic research priorities: i) Cancer initiation, progression, and resistance; and ii) Cancer treatment and care delivery paradigms. Program goals include exploration of molecular mechanisms regulating immune/hematopoietic cells and their interactions with the microenvironment, and the development of new treatment strategies via intra- and inter-programmatic translational collaborations. CHI member research interests are relevant to six of the nine Rogel cross-cutting research themes: Tumor Microenvironment and Metabolism; Molecular Determinants; Inflammation, Microbes and Immunity; Biomarkers; Health Access; and Targets and Therapeutics.