UM Doctoral Student’s Research on Cellular Interactions Could Guide the Next Generation of Immunotherapies
Montana BioScience AlliancePublished on: 08/04/2026
Deborah Agbakwuru, PhD candidate in the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, is studying cells and processes between cells. By examining cell interactions and the strength behind them, she can better understand how immune signaling is regulated during inflammation and disease. This can ultimately lead to explanations as to why some immune responses are effective while others become too weak or overly aggressive (as seen in autoimmunity). Long term, this knowledge can guide the design of better immunotherapies, such as improving cancer treatments, or developing strategies to reduce harmful inflammation by limiting excessive immune signaling.
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