Mei Bhatt

Mei Bhatt investigates how cancer cells can be made to activate pattern recognition receptors through viral mimicry strategies that trigger innate immune responses. Her research has characterized how demethylation of endogenous retroviruses and repeat elements in cancer cells generates dsRNA species that activate RIG-I and MDA5 sensing pathways to drive type I interferon production. She has explored combinations of epigenetic therapies with innate immune stimulators to leverage viral mimicry for cancer immunotherapy. Her work on the dsRNA cancer viral mimicry paradigm informs novel innate activation strategies that do not require direct STING agonist delivery.