Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Accept all cookies Reject all non-essential cookies Find out more

Pinto-Fernández Group | Translational Ubiquitomics - Cancer Immunology

Our research group was established in 2021.

Our lab has an interest in studying how cellular Ubiquitylation and ISGylation influence cancer inflammation with the final aim of translating these findings into valid therapeutic targets. To study these pathways we use state-of-the-art MS-based omics techniques such as proteomics and lipidomics in combination with immunology and cellular biology functional assays.

Current team members

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

Current research involves the study of the roles of a class of druggable enzymes called deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) in cancer inflammation using advanced proteomics, lipidomics, and immunology techniques as main tools.  

For instance, we have recently discovered that cancer cells lacking the DUB USP18, a negative regulator of the interferon pathway, are more antigenic and radiosensitive. At a molecular level, USP18-deficient cells accumulate innate immune ligands such as dsRNA, enhance the antigen presentation machinery, and hence they can activate more efficiently cytotoxic T cells, resulting in enhanced T cell killing and immunotherapy responses. 

Pinto-Fernandez, A., Salio, M., Partridge, T. et al. Deletion of the deISGylating enzyme USP18 enhances tumour cell antigenicity and radiosensitivity. Br J Cancer 124, 817–830 (2021). (DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01167-y).

Other relevant references:

https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2016.00133

https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12020300

DOI: 10.1038/nature24451

https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.71596

DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000768

https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202004211

 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade8840

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

We are experts in the study of the ubiquitin system in disease-relevant models using advanced ubiquitomics (GG-petidomics), activity-based protein profiling (ABPP), proteomics, lipidomics, chemical biology, cellular biology, and immunology techniques. These methodologies and matching data analysis approaches can be applied and learned in our laboratory. Importantly, as part of the COI-NDM environment, we have access to cutting-edge technology assuring the highest available standards in terms of data quality. 

Finally, our laboratory has been always very interested in the translational aspect of our research and as a consequence, we have been involved in a number of collaborations with industry partners (including Pfizer, Incyte, Xcellomics, ONO, FORMA therapeutics, and others). This provides an excellent opportunity to learn the complementary research dynamics happening in pharmaceutical companies.

References on methodology:

https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10101453

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23063263

https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2021.640105

https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2019.00592

Our Team

Selected publications

CDF BRIDGE



As a Career Development Fellow in COI, Adan is mentored by Professor Benedikt Kessler. Benedikt provides support, guidance and advice to Adan as he starts his own research group. 

Collaborators

Vincenzo D'Angiolella - WIMM (Department of Oncology)

Paul Elliot - Department of Biochemistry

Madalena Tarsounas - Department of Oncology

Kristijan Ramadan - WIMM (Department of Oncology)

Richard Cornall - NDM

Jan Rehwinkel - WIMM (RDM)

Ricardo Fernandes - CAMS-COI (NDM)

Tao Dong - CAMS-COI (NDM)

Persephone Borrow - NDM

Pablo Cespedes - CAMS-COI (NDM)

Nikolaos Kanellakis - CAMS-COI (NDM)

Yi-Ling Cheng - CAMS-COI (NDM)

Peter Wing - CAMS-COI (NDM)

Roman Fischer - TDI (NDM)

Dan Ebner - TDI (NDM)

FUNDING

Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute

Pfizer-CTI (Centers for Therapeutic Innovation)

Related research themes

This theme builds on on-going collaborative projects that aim to understand how immune cells respond to cancer. The findings will be used to help identify new targets for cancer vaccine design and for immunotherapy in which T cells are recruited against tumour cells.
1. Cancer Immunology & Immunotherapy
Collaborative projects are currently investigating influenza and sepsis, for example, looking at how genetic variation affects the immune response to these infections and using this information to develop better vaccines and therapies. This theme will expand the current scope to include other important infections such as Zika and Dengue virus.
2. Viral Infection
To understand how cancer develops and progresses, and mechanisms that underlie fundamental processes such as cell growth, the transformation of normal cells to cancer cells, and the spread, or metastasis, of cancer cells.
3. Cancer Biology
To understand the regulatory mechanisms of PRR signalling which should shed new light on the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and will provide important clues for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for immune-related diseases.
6. Inflammation and Metabolism