Biography
Hunter Jonus, PhD, is an instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Jonus is a member of the Cancer Immunology Research Program at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
Education
Dr. Jonus earned her PhD in toxicology from the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy in Athens, Georgia. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship training at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.
Titles & Roles
-
Instructor, Department of PediatricsEmory University School of Medicine
Research
Dr. Jonus is leading groundbreaking research in combating neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Her team's research focuses on developing novel treatment options for patients suffering from high-risk neuroblastoma utilizing cellular immunotherapy. Her innovative approach incorporates a unique T cell subset known as gamma delta (γδ) T cells, which can be isolated from healthy donors, expanded ex vivo, and infused into patients to target and eliminate tumors, including neuroblastoma.
Dr. Jonus seeks to enhance the effectiveness of γδ T cell therapy by engineering these cells to better recognize and infiltrate solid tumors while extending their longevity within the body. By incorporating chimeric antigen receptors and cytokine secretion pathways, Dr. Jonus aims to optimize γδ T cell function and bolster their anti-tumor activity.