Vicky Groh

Vicky Groh demonstrated that MICA and MICB stress-induced molecules expressed on epithelial tumors directly activate gamma-delta T cells through NKG2D engagement, establishing a critical mechanism by which these unconventional lymphocytes recognize transformed cells without requiring classical antigen presentation. Her work showed that tumors actively shed MICA/MICB to evade gamma-delta T cell killing, and that stabilizing surface ligand expression restores effective anti-tumor immunity. She has characterized how gamma-delta T cells integrate TCR and NKG2D signals to mount robust anti-tumor responses against diverse solid tumor types.