Maureen A. Su, M.D.

Su utilizes both mouse models and patient samples to investigate the genetics of autoimmune diseases. One of Su’s approaches is to study rare Mendelian autoimmunity syndromes to determine the contributions of a particular gene to developing autoimmunity. She has focused on autoimmune polyendocrinopathy syndrome type 1, a rare condition caused by mutations in the autoimmune regulator, or Aire, gene, and seeks to understand the disease mechanisms underlying this condition. 

Her recent studies have shown that in the course of regulating or preventing autoimmunity, Aire also prevents effective anti-tumor immunity. Su has further demonstrated that administration of biologic inhibitors can transiently break Aire-mediated central tolerance. These findings have the potential to enhance the efficacy of current cancer immunotherapy strategies.

One such cancer immunotherapy strategy, checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, has revolutionized the treatment of cancer. However, its utility is dampened by the increased risk of developing immune-related adverse events, or IRAEs, resembling autoimmune disease. Su is investigating the mechanisms of IRAEs to understand how to prevent and treat these unwanted side effects without adversely affecting anti-cancer immunity.