Academic Affiliation
Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Credentials
PhD, 1993, University of Arizona
Bio
Douglas Lake, PhD, is a cellular and molecular immunologist, contributing to the development of a prophylactic cancer vaccine for multiple types of cancers. Specifically, as an associate professor, he studies the molecular interactions between tumor-derived peptides and major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHC) at the Biodesign Institute Center for Innovations in Medicine at Arizona State University.
The sequences of naturally occurring peptides often attach poorly to the binding cleft of MHC molecules. Peptides can be optimized for binding to MHC so that they retain their abilities to activate anti-tumor T-cells. Combining multiple optimized peptides along with the natural tumor-derived peptide has been shown to elicit broader T-cell responses.
The goal is to identify and develop enough tumor-derived peptides for each type of cancer to include in a cancer vaccine that would “prearm” the immune system to protect individuals against cancer before it has a chance to grow out of control.
Dr. Lake came to ASU in 2006 after 12 years at the University of Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson where he researched cancer, valley fever and AIDS. He directed the Flow Cytometry Core Laboratory and co-directed the Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy program at the Arizona Cancer Center.
While teaching medical students at the UA College of Medicine, Dr. Lake received a Deans’ Teaching Scholar award and was involved in medical curriculum development and teaching methods.
Dr. Lake earned two degrees in microbiology: a BS from Texas Tech University in Lubbock and a PhD from University of Arizona.