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
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.
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Recent Lab News
March 2023
Earlier in March, the Pelka Lab had the pleasure of attending the Bay Area PICI Symposium held at Gladstone where Karin also presented some of the lab’s work!
April 2023
Four new lovely members joined the lab: Anna Ralser, Alisa Dietl, McKenzie Daanen, and Amelie Delcourt. Welcome, all! Karin, Alisa, and Anna also had the pleasure of attending the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Spring Retreat in Hawaii!
May 2023
Karin, along with other PIs, hosted the 1st Biannual 2023 Spatial Profiling Symposium Highlighting Cancer Research! The symposium took place at the Parnassus campus and had a wonderful turnout. Congrats to all organizers for a successful event!