In this inspiring episode, Dr. Felipe Gálvez-Cancino, group leader at Oxford's Center for Immuno-Oncology, walks us through his team’s groundbreaking research on macrophages, T cells, and immune regulation in solid tumors. Tracing his path from early cancer vaccine work to advanced antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), Felipe shares how his team is working to reprogram tumor-associated macrophages to more efficiently eliminate cancer cells.

He explains how regulatory CD4+ T cells suppress both T cell and macrophage responses within tumors and how removing that suppression can supercharge phagocytic function. We also hear how his lab is leveraging mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma, clinical samples, and modern molecular biology techniques (like in vivo liver transfection and CRISPR-ready plasmid engineering) to study intratumor heterogeneity and antigen spreading.

Felipe also reflects on the value of early molecular biology training—like mastering gigapreps—and emphasizes the importance of curiosity, persistence, and collaboration in scientific careers. Whether you’re interested in cancer biology, immunotherapy, or just passionate about translating discoveries into new therapies, this episode offers both technical depth and motivational insight.

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For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.