UNC Immunotherapy Training Grant (IM-TAG)

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Abstract: This is a training program from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) to train postdoctoral fellows in basic, translational or clinical research focusing on tumor immunotherapy, tumor immunology or stem cell transplantation immunology. The UNC Immunotherapy Training Grant (IM-TAG) is led by an exceptional mentor, Jonathan Serody MD, who is assisted by two superb Associate Directors in Barbara Savoldo MD PhD and Benjamin Vincent MD. This training proposal is supported by a nationally renowned mentorship group and exceptional facilities for translation of tumor and transplantation immunology to the clinic. Additionally, there are world-class investigators that make up the Internal Advisory Committee and External Advisory Board. The focus of IM-TAG is significantly underrepresented in training programs leading to a paucity of investigators working in these areas. IM-TAG supports the training of two postdoctoral fellows yearly. There are 11 Professors, and eight Associate Professors, with outstanding qualifications who serve as mentors. We have identified two exceptional Assistant Professors, who serve as co-mentors. These investigators’ interests include 1) vaccine design and vector generation, 2) adoptive cellular therapy, 3) the role of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), 4) immunogenomic assessment of TME, 5) enhancing our understanding of the biology of the graft-versus-tumor response and 6) approaches to manage acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease. There are innovative mechanisms for training that include 1) didactic coursework in statistical design, 2) immunogenomic coursework and data evaluation overseen by world experts in tumor immunogenomics, and 3) participation in Immunotherapy Working Groups, which are translational teams that assist in the development of novel immunotherapies, allowing trainees to be involved in the development of INDs and clinical trials. We have a comprehensive approach to training underrepresented minorities, including a summer course for undergraduate students to provide them with hands-on experience in immunotherapy or transplantation immunology. Strengths of the program include 1) an extremely well-funded group of mentors with substantial experience training postdoctoral fellows, 2) an outstanding leadership group with a long history of leading collaborative research proposals, 3) and the presence of a world-class vaccine and transplantation infrastructure that trainees can access. This program combines the mentors, foundation, and resources of a nationally recognized tumor immunology, cancer immunotherapy and transplantation immunology program with novel approaches to enhance the vertical training of underrepresented individuals and enhance the bench to bedside development of therapeutics by individuals who are trained in this program.