Dr. Levy's research concentrates on the study of malignant lymphoma and tumors of the immune system using the tools of immunology and molecular biology to develop a better understanding of the initiation and progression of the malignant process. Receptor molecules present on the surface of tumor cells transmit signals for regulation of cell growth. These receptors include the immunoglobulin molecule on B cell tumors and the T cell receptor on T cell tumors.

Questions the lab is currently addressing include:

1. Can a clue to the pathogenesis of lymphoma be derived from a study of their antigen receptors?
2. Can new treatments for lymphoma be developed by targeting receptors with monoclonal antibodies?
3. Can vaccines be developed which can induce an immune response in the host against the receptors on their own tumor?