Stephen Mathew

Dr. Stephen Mathew is an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Research Management in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC). He is affiliated with the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences and leads research focused on natural killer (NK) cell receptors in cancer and autoimmune diseases. His work includes investigating immune receptors like LLT1, CS1, and 2B4 in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Ewing sarcoma, and breast/prostate cancers.

Education: BS Biology, MS Microbiology, PhD Microbiology from R.D. University.

Research Interests: Molecular basis of NK cell recognition in cancer, immune receptor signaling pathways, and development of NK cell-based therapies. His lab explores how tumor cells evade NK cell killing, particularly through overexpression of receptors like LLT1. Collaborations with pediatric oncologists aim to improve treatments for childhood cancers like ALL by modulating immune responses.

Grants & Projects: Active grants include the REAP New Investigator Grant (2025–ongoing) for anti-LLT1 immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma and the CS1-Targeted Immunotherapy project (2013–2015) for pediatric ALL. He co-led the Molecular Characterization of NKp44 Ligand on Astrocytes project (2017–2019).

Key Contributions: Identified LLT1's role in inhibiting NK cell activity against tumors, leading to FDA-approved therapies like Empliciti (anti-CS1 antibody). His research bridges basic science with clinical applications, emphasizing translational immunotherapy.