Understanding Immune Hubs to Improve Immunotherapy
learn more
Our Research
Our lab studies the cellular interactions that shape immune responses in human tumors, focusing on how these responses are regulated. Using a combination of large-scale genomic analyses and tissue imaging approaches, we have identified hubs in tumor tissues where tumor cells come into close contact with immune cells. By characterizing the cells in these hubs, and the gene networks that are turned on in these cells, our lab aims to uncover novel ways to harness the immune system in the fight against cancer.
Our Partners
.png)
Our People
We are a brand new lab located at the Gladstone Institutes in sunny Mission Bay looking for passionate students and postdoctoral fellows to join us in our mission to decode the cellular interaction networks that shape immune responses in human tumors. We are excited to grow into a cross-disciplinary, collaborative and diverse lab that includes clinicians, immunologists, geneticists, cancer researchers, and computational biologists.
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.png)
.jpg)
.webp)
Recent Lab News
If the Pelka Lab had an astrological sign, it would most definitely be a Taurus. In May, we celebrated not one, not two, but three birthdays! Happiest birthday wishes to Anderson, Jingya, and Alisa!
Amidst several lab meetings and GIGI supergroups, we also had to bid a tough farewell to a core member of the A-Team, Anderson. Anderson, to no surprise, was admitted into Cornell’s Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis PhD program! Ando, lab won’t be the same without you! We are so proud of all your hard work and wish you nothing but the best! 🥂
The best way to celebrate the beginning of summer is by attending and presenting at the GIGI Retreat, of course! Karin shared her scientific visions and also lead a breakout session during the event. After, the Pelka Lab made sure to attend the reception at Harmonic Brewery, paying a toast to all of our hard work and efforts at the half-year mark!
Anna also presented at the Science for Admin forum and wowed us away with her immunotherapy knowledge (shocker...🥱)
And to top it all off, Anjeli, being Anjeli, aced and passed her quals! Proud and and impressed is an understatement! 🥳
During slower months like July, the lab enjoys catching up on work and spending time outdoors! The Gladstone Hiking Club scheduled a 12-mile hike that Charlotte attended, making her the lab’s most professional and skilled walker, of course 🚶♀️
Jingya also had the pleasure of attending the 2026 Women in Cancer Immunotherapy Network (WIN) Leadership Institute in Boston! Just a woman in STEM doing woman-in-STEM things, no biggie 🙌
Meanwhile, Karin was busy submitting grants, attending meetings, and balancing her several other obligations. BTW, if you’re looking for a superhuman, look no further 💪
