Overview
Jose Conejo-Garcia’s research program focuses on understanding and targeting the mechanisms governing the balance between immunosuppression and protective immunity in the tumor microenvironment, with an emphasis on the crosstalk between innate (gamma/delta) and adaptive (alpha/beta) T cells, and B lymphocytes, including in Tertiary Lymphoid Structures. Discoveries for the Conejo-Garcia lab are also being translated in active clinical trials using CAR T cells to treat ovarian cancer patients.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Integrative Immunobiology
·
2024 - Present
Integrative Immunobiology,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2023 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Medium-Chain Fatty Acid Receptor GPR84 Modulates Cytotoxic CD8 T-cell Antitumor Immunity through Metabolic Reprogramming.
Journal Article Cancer Immunol Res · April 2, 2026 G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) is a medium-chain free fatty acid receptor predominantly expressed in myeloid cells. Previous studies have identified GPR84 as an enhancer of the pro-inflammatory myeloid cell responses and a regulator of metabolic hom ... Full text Link to item CiteAssociations of Tumor Somatic Mutations and Genetic Alterations with Survival Outcomes in Melanoma Patients Treated with Ipilimumab.
Journal Article J Clin Med · March 19, 2026 Background: Identifying patients most likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains a significant challenge in advanced melanoma. We evaluated the association between tumor somatic mutations and clinical outcomes, focusing on relapse-f ... Full text Link to item CiteAbstract B041: GLP-1 receptor agonists associated with improved response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid tumors: a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study
Conference Cancer Immunology Research · February 18, 2026 AbstractIntroduction:Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are increasingly utilized for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ( ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Novel immunotherapies using optimized tumor cell-penetrating antibodies
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2025 - 2029McCain/Bayh Glioblastoma Consortium
Clinical TrialCo Investigator · Awarded by Department of Defense · 2025 - 2029Crosstalk between butyrophilins and gamma delta T cells in human cancer
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2024 - 2029View All Grants
Education
University of Alcalá (Spain) ·
1998
MD./PhD.