The Tang laboratory is focused on elucidating the role of secretory IgM (sIgM) produced by normal or cancerous B cells in activating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to suppress anti-tumor T cell function within tumor microenvironments. MDSCs exert potent immunosuppressive functions within tumor microenvironments to promote tumor growth. It is critical to investigate the factors that can upregulate the functions of MDSCs because such studies can potentially lead to new treatment strategies to suppress the functions of MDSCs and reactivate the body’s immune response to combat cancer. In the short term, we will identify and characterize the mechanisms by which sIgM activates the immunosuppressive functions of MDSCs and to investigate how to target sIgM to control MDSCs. In the long-term, this research group will continue to understand how antibodies can orchestrate an immunosuppressive microenvironment to support tumor growth and untangle the relationship between tumors and immune systems in tumor microenvironment.
The Principal Investigator of our laboratory is Chih-Hang Anthony Tang, PhD, a newly appointed Assistant Professor in the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Houston Methodist Academic Institute. Dr. Tang received his MD degree from National Defense Medical Center in Taiwan and PhD degree from Brandeis University under the tutelage of Michael Rosbash, PhD. Dr. Tang did his postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Chih-Chi Andrew Hu, PhD. Dr. Tang has studied the role of endoplasmic reticulum resident proteins in B cell leukemia with an outstanding publication record (Cell Mol Immunol 2020, Cancer Immunol Res 2018, J Cell Biol 2018, Cancer Res 2016, J Clin Invest 2014, et al.). Please find a complete list of his publication at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/chih-hang.tang.1/bibliography/public/
We are interested in applicants with diverse research experience but are particularly interested in applicants with a PhD or MD/PhD degree and research interests in in cancer immunology, cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Candidates should be enthusiastic about collaborative and interdisciplinary research, be highly motivated to develop as an independent scientist, have a strong work-ethic and demonstrate excellent scientific and communication skills. Please send curriculum vitae, a cover letter stating research interests and career goals, and names and contact information of three references to: Chih-Hang Anthony Tang, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor. Email: catang@houstonmethodist.org
Job Duties
- Develops and conducts specialized and advanced research experiments.
- Evaluates and analyzes data. May establish new research protocols and procedures.
- Documents research results and writes reports of results for presentation and/or publication in professional journals and other publications.
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