Michael Dougan

Michael Dougan at Massachusetts General Hospital has contributed significantly to understanding how tumors physically exclude T-cells through TGF-beta signaling and stromal barriers that prevent immune infiltration. His research has characterized the immune excluded phenotype wherein T-cells are present at the tumor margin but cannot penetrate the tumor core. He has evaluated strategies to overcome TGF-beta-mediated immune exclusion including bifunctional antibodies that simultaneously block TGF-beta and PD-L1. His work on distinguishing immune desert from immune excluded tumors has refined immunotherapy patient selection strategies.