Rutkowski Lab

The goal of the Rutkowski lab, as part of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology (MIC), is to gain a deeper understanding of how the microbiome and immune microenvironment coordinate malignant progression and metastatic disease. We will utilize our findings to identify mechanisms of resistance to checkpoint inhibitor blockade in addition to developing novel immunotherapies for the treatment of metastatic disease.

Sketch of intestine splice showing gut bacteria

Grant to Study Gut Bacteria’s Role in Breast Cancer

The bacteria in human stomachs may play a role in the body’s immune response to breast cancer. This $450K grant will further study in this area.

IL-15 Agonists Overcome MEK Inhibitors

Most inhibitors targeting multiple signaling pathways have especially strong negative effects on T cell activation at their active doses on cancer cells.

Gut Bacteria to Battle Tumors

Could there be a day when doctors could identify women at high risk for breast tumors just by examining the bacteria in their gut?

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Latest News

We welcome Francesca back!

MIC faculty Melanie Rutkowski, PhD receives $450,000 grant to study how the gut biome interacts with breast cancer.

Welcome to Tzu-Yu (Alkaid) Feng!

Harrison Undergraduate research award for research in the Rutkowski lab!

Summer 2016 We welcome our newest lab member!

July 7, 2016 The Rutkowski lab welcomes postdoc Dr. Claire Rosean!