Woong-Kyung Suh, PhD

When T cells from the immune system meet an antigen, they can decide to either react or become tolerant. Costimulation signals can influence that decision. Understanding T cell cosignalling mechanisms could also facilitate the development of tools designed to manipulate the human immune system to boost immunity or suppress unwanted immune reactions.

One of Dr. Suh’s primary objectives is to advance our understanding of the signalling mechanisms of CD28 and ICOS T cell costimulation receptors. Specifically, his team is investigating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway using a panel of knockout and knockin mice for the signalling intermediary. His research unit is also interested in the role of T cell costimulation in cancer immunity. A member of the B7 costimulating molecule family, molecule B7-H4, inhibits T cell immunity. Since B7-H4 is strongly overexpressed in breast cancer in humans, it is possible that it helps tumour cells to avoid immune attacks. Dr. Suh’s team is currently developing lineages of transgenic mice to test that hypothesis.

Dr. Suh holds a New Investigator Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). 

Degrees and relevant experience

• PhD in biochemistry, under the supervision of Dr. David B. Williams, University of Toronto (1993-1997)
• Postdoctoral fellowship, under the supervision of Dr. Tak W. Mak, Ontario Cancer Institute (1999-2005)
• Postdoctoral fellowship, under the supervision of Dr. Laurie H. Glimcher, Harvard School of Public Health, Massachusetts, USA (1998-1999)