# Human Immunology Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2020 · $209,644

## Abstract

Project Summary
The Human Immunology Core, which has been approved by the NCI since 2005, provides state-of-the-art
immune assays, cellular products and immunological expertise for clinical trials and immunology research.
Immunological data generated by the Core are used to evaluate and improve novel cancer therapies. The
Core also provides specimens and reagents to facilitate basic and translational research that enhances our
understanding of the tumor microenvironment and the host immune response. During the project period, the
Core has supported 48 clinical trials. The Facility Director, Dr. Eline (Nina) Luning Prak, Associate Professor
of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, is recognized for her contributions to basic B cell immunology and for
her leadership in translational human immunology as a pathologist specializing in clinical immunology assay
development. The Technical Director, Dr. Jean Boyer, is an expert in the assessment of cellular immune
responses to vaccines and immunotherapy, and oversees an experienced staff. The Core performs a wide
range of cellular immunology assays including cell proliferation assays, multifunctional lymphocyte subset
analysis by flow cytometry, luminex, and assays that measure lymphocyte activation and specificity, including
ELISPOT and intracellular cytokine profiling. Under Dr. Luning Prak's leadership, the Core has expanded its
services in molecular immunology and high complexity data analysis, and now performs high throughput
sequencing, cloning and analysis of antibody gene rearrangements, with TCR assays in the pipeline.
Services also include the provision of purified primary human blood cell subsets from apheresis donors, and
annotated specimen handling and storage. The Core staff works closely with each investigator to perform the
optimal immunological assays and sample processing for each research study and clinical trial. The Core can
perform studies on a pilot research basis, or at the standard of Good Laboratory Practices, as needed. From
October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014, 49 ACC members have used Core services. They represent
nine Programs: Breast Cancer, Cancer Control, Cancer Therapeutics, Hematologic Malignancies,
Immunobiology, Melanoma and Cutaneous Malignancies, Pediatric Oncology, Tumor Biology and Tumor
Virology. Members with peer-reviewed funding account for 34% of total Core usage. CCSG support
represents 10% of the proposed Core budget with the remaining funding coming from charge backs and
Institutional support.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9836814
- **Project number:** 5P30CA016520-44
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** ELINE Tjetske LUNING PRAK
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $209,644
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9836814

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9836814, Human Immunology Core (5P30CA016520-44). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9836814. Licensed CC0.

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