Prof. Ziv Shulman

Long-lasting protection from harmful pathogens depends on the collaboration of multiple types of immune cells each with a unique function. These cells interact with each other in small confined niches in lymphoid organs and exchange molecular signals required for differentiation into cells that can eliminate invading pathogens. Protective antibodies evolve in lymphoid organs in sites known as germinal centers. In our lab, we aim to understand this process and discover new antibodies and targets for cancer immunotherapy and for the treatment of various infectious diseases. Specifcialy, analysis of antibodies derived from human cancer samples, such as ovarian, lung, renal, and head and neck cancer, provides us with valuable information about the antigens that are recognized by the immune system in these malignancies. In addition, these antibodies have the potential to become new immunotherapeutic agents.