Sam Basta

Sam Basta is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen's University, affiliated with the School of Medicine and Faculty of Health Sciences. He holds cross appointments in the Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME) and is a member of the Queen’s Laboratory for Molecular Pathology (QLMP). His research focuses on immune mechanisms, particularly antigen presentation in viral infections and cancer immunotherapy.

Education:

• PhD (2000): Viral Immunology, Universitat Bern
• MSc (1996): Biochemical Immunology, University of East London
• BSc (1991): Biochemistry, Heriot-Watt University

Research Interests:

Dr. Basta investigates antigen presentation pathways in macrophages and dendritic cells, particularly during viral infections (e.g., LCMV) and tumor immunity. Key areas include:

• Cross-priming of CD8+ T cells
• Macrophage polarization (M1/M2 states)
• TLR signaling and cytokine regulation
• Immunotherapy for cancer and viral diseases

Recent Articles:

His work highlights macrophage roles in immune responses, including modulation by cytokines like IL-4 and GM-CSF. Recent studies explore IL-27’s role in tumor vaccines and TLR cross-talk in viral infections.

Affiliations & Labs:

He is part of the Queen’s Laboratory for Molecular Pathology and collaborates with institutions like the Canadian Society for Immunology. His lab focuses on translational immunology, bridging basic science and clinical applications.