David Raulet

David Raulet demonstrated that the DNA damage response directly upregulates NKG2D ligands on transformed cells, establishing a critical mechanistic link between oncogenic stress and immune recognition that underpins NK cell cancer immunosurveillance. His discovery that cellular senescence triggers NKG2D ligand expression and NK cell-mediated clearance revealed immune surveillance of pre-malignant senescent cells as a tumor suppression mechanism. His comprehensive characterization of NKG2D ligand regulation by microRNAs, proteases, and exosomal shedding has informed strategies to enhance tumor immunogenicity.