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Yuliya Pylayeva-Gupta, PhD, is a UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center member and cancer researcher interested in immunology and the biology of pancreatic cancer.

PhD
Associate Professor, Genetics
Co-Leader, UNC Lineberger Immunology Research Program
Associate Director, Cancer Cell Biology Training Program T32
UNC-Chapel Hill
Immunology

Area of Interest

My research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which tumors co-opt the immune system to facilitate emergence and progression of cancer. I am particularly interested in biology of pancreatic cancer, where non-cell-autonomous pathways elicited by oncogenic KRas and tumor suppressor p53 can modify stromal and immune responses that promote tumorigenesis.

I have significant expertise in using genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic cancer, featuring activation of oncogenic KRas in pancreatic epithelium, to investigate immunological mechanisms relevant to pathogenesis of this deadly disease. Our recent efforts have been directed at studying the role of B cells, myeloid cells and cytokines in cancer. We are particularly interested in understanding the mechanism behind activation and function of B cells, myeloid cells, and fibroblasts in evolution of cancer and metastasis.

Find publications on PubMed

Awards and Honors

  • Phillip and Ruth Hettleman Prize for Artistic and Scholarly Achievement, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2022
  • Emerging Leader Award, Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, 2022
  • Innovation Award, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2021
  • V Scholar Plus Award, V Foundation, 2019
  • Innovation Award, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2019
  • Conquer Cancer Now Award, Concern Foundation, 2018
  • Career Enhancement Award, NIH, 2017
  • V Scholar Award, V Foundation, 2016
  • Pathway to Leadership Award, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), 2013
  • Young Investigator Travel Award, American Pancreatic Association, 2010
Headshot of Yuliya Pylayeva-Gupta