Weber, Scott

Background

Dr. Scott Weber is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology where he teaches courses in Immunology, Molecular Biology, and Flow Cytometry. His research is focused on improving the immune response to cancer, autoimmune disease, addiction, asthma, and Alzheimer's disease. He is also the Associate Director of the Simmons Center for Cancer Research. He received his undergraduate and master degrees from BYU and his doctorate from the University of Illinois. Prior to coming to BYU, he worked as a Post Doctoral Fellow and Research Instructor in the Department of Pathology and Immunology at the Medical School at Washington University in St. Louis.

Cancer Research

Development of immunotherapies that specifically target cancer cells: We are working to develop ways to target cancer using T cells that have been enhanced with cancer-specific receptors. These chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) allow T cells to target and kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. We are currently examining novel cancer epitopes that allow us to target multiple cancer types as well as improving our ability to resolve chronic inflammation (a strong cancer risk factor) caused by autoimmune disease. 

Metabolic reprogramming of T cells to improve their function in the tumor environment: We are examining multiple T cell co-receptors and genes that can be altered to improve T cell metabolic function in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Improved metabolic function can prevent cancer cells from outcompeting T cells for nutrients and resources necessary for survival. This will enable the T cells to better recognize and remove cancer cells and function for a longer period of time. 

Engineering immunological proteins with improved function: We are engineering immunological proteins and selecting those with improved function. We are also working to understand how high affinity T cell receptors differ in their ability to recognize antigen and cause T cell activation. Immunological proteins are engineered using yeast display and directed evolution and are a novel tool for targeting T cell epitopes not recognized by antibodies. High affinity T cells or other immunological proteins with altered function may be useful as therapeutics in a cancer setting when coupled with pro-inflammatory cytokines or in autoimmunity when coupled with anti-inflammatory cytokines.