About

Professor Jenny Li is not listed or described in the provided page text. The page primarily details the team members, including faculty, research scientists, graduate researchers, undergraduate researchers, and past members, but does not include a biography or research focus for Professor Jenny Li.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Immunology
• Gerontology
• Materials science
• Environmental health
• Genetics
• Demography
• Chromatography
• Computational biology
• Engineering
• Internal medicine
• Biology
• Virology
• Endocrinology
• Chemistry
• Medicine
• Electronic engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Process engineering

Selected publications

• Abstract 6696: A senescent whole-cell vaccine platform derived from conditionally reprogrammed primary tumor cells primes potent T-cell immunity and overcomes ICI resistance in murine breast cancer models

  Cancer Research · 2026-04-03

  article

  Abstract Background: Aggressive cancers, including breast cancer, face challenges of therapeutic resistance and recurrence. Autologous cancer vaccines are limited by difficulties in obtaining sufficient primary tumor material. Our lab uses the Conditional Reprogramming Cell (CRC) method to enable long-term in vitro expansion of primary tumor cells. We are developing a novel vaccine strategy based on cellular senescence, a highly immunogenic state. We hypothesize that irradiated, senescent whole-tumor cells (SWCs) generated via CRC will function as potent, poly-antigenic vaccines to prime robust anti-tumor T-cell responses, synergize with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and establish long-term immune memory. Experimental method: Senescence was induced in murine breast cancer lines by γ-irradiation. Immune priming was assessed by injecting SWCs into naïve syngeneic mice, quantifying systemic T-cell activation (CD4+, CD8+, CD69+, PD-1+) in spleens and lymph nodes via flow cytometry. Therapeutic efficacy will be evaluated in orthotopic, tumor-bearing mice treated with SWC vaccine + CpG adjuvant, +/- dual ICI blockade (anti-PD-L1/anti-CTLA-4). Endpoints include tumor regression and survival. Vaccine efficacy will also be tested in prophylactic and post-surgical anti-recurrence models (simulating R1/R2 residual disease). Summary of new data: In vivo immune-priming experiments (four weekly injections) demonstrated that senescent tumor cells elicited a robust, systemic adaptive immune response. Compared to controls, SWC-treated mice showed a marked expansion of both CD8α+ and CD4+ T-cell populations in spleens and lymph nodes. Flow cytometry revealed an activated effector phenotype with elevated CD69 and cytotoxic markers in CD8+ T cells. These findings confirm SWCs are highly immunogenic and induce systemic T-cell activation. Conclusion: Senescent whole-tumor cells derived via the CRC method are a feasible and potent poly-antigenic vaccine platform. Our preliminary data demonstrate that this strategy breaks immune tolerance, inducing robust T-cell activation. This provides a strong rationale for advancing this personalized, autologous vaccine to overcome immune resistance and prevent recurrence in aggressive solid tumors. Citation Format: Sara Rasouli, Chongwen Cao, Weiyi Gong, Haichang Li, Bei Liu, Anna Vilgelm, Jenny Li, Xuefeng Liu. A senescent whole-cell vaccine platform derived from conditionally reprogrammed primary tumor cells primes potent T-cell immunity and overcomes ICI resistance in murine breast cancer models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 6696.

  PublisherDOI

• Cigarette smoke induces FASN-dependent fatty acid metabolic rewiring to drive bladder cancer progression

  Cancer Letters · 2026-05-05

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Conditional Reprogramming: A Living Biomarker and Phenotypic Screening Drug Platform for Urological Cancer

  2025-07-14

  book-chapter

  Patient-derived and clinically relevant models including patient-derived xenografts (PDX), organoids, and conditional reprogramming (CR) of cell cultures efficiently generate numerous models and are being used in both basic and translational cancer biology. We describe our own CR technology supported by several NCI funds in translational potential of urological cancer. Specifically, CR can be used to generate clinically relevant patient-derived cell models for both bladder cancer (BC) and prostate cancer. These clinically relevant cells may be used for selection or prediction of treatment and drug discovery. In addition to cell models derived from tumor tissue specimens, we can also generate urine cancer cells from bladder cancer patients, providing a non-invasive, living biomarker for predicting patient responses and serving as a phenotypic drug screening platform.

  PublisherDOI

• A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial of Dual Daily HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Using Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine and Doxycycline in Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women: The DuDHS Study

  Clinical Infectious Diseases · 2025-01-30 · 10 citations

  article

  BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women experience high sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates. This study evaluated the feasibility of doxycycline pre-exposure prophylaxis (doxyPrEP) for STI prevention in these key populations. METHODS: Sexually-active MSM and transgender women without HIV with prior syphilis were recruited. Participants initiated HIV PrEP with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) daily for 48 weeks, and were randomized 1:1 to daily doxyPrEP for 48 weeks (immediate arm), or doxyPrEP initiated at 24 weeks (deferred arm). Primary outcomes included adherence, measured using questionnaires, along with tolerability; STI incidence (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) was a secondary outcome. Nasal carriage of S. aureus was assessed serially for doxycycline resistance. RESULTS: Fifty-two participants were enrolled into the immediate (n=26) and deferred (n=26) arms. At 48 weeks, self-reported adherence (≥95%) was 75.0% vs. 66.7% (p=0.538) for TDF/FTC, and 70.8% vs. 61.9% (p=0.526) for doxycycline in the immediate vs. deferred arms, respectively. No doxyPrEP-related serious adverse events occurred. Incidence of any STI at 24 weeks was reduced in the immediate vs. deferred arms, and over 48 weeks, being on doxycycline (vs. being off; i.e. first 24 weeks of deferred arm) was associated with STI reduction (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.36; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.15-0.89). Emergent doxycycline-resistant S. aureus was identified in six individuals, with five in the immediate arm (p=0.077). CONCLUSIONS: Dual HIV/doxyPrEP is feasible and associated with a significant reduction in incident STI. Further evaluation of dosing strategies, efficacy and impact on antimicrobial resistance is warranted.

  PublisherDOI

• Unveiling racial disparities in prostate cancer using an integrative genomic and transcriptomic analysis

  Cell Insight · 2025-02-17 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access

  Prostate cancer exhibits significant racial disparities, with African American (AA) individuals showing ∼64% higher incidence and 2.3 times greater mortality rates compared to their Caucasian (CA) counterparts. Understanding the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, lifestyle, socioeconomic, and healthcare access factors is crucial for developing effective interventions to reduce this disproportionate burden. This study aims to uncover the genetic and transcriptomic differences driving these disparities through a comprehensive analysis using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and exome sequencing of prostate cancer tissues from both Black and White patients. Our transcriptomics analysis revealed enhanced activity in pathways linked to immune response and cellular interactions in AA prostate cancer samples, with notable regulation by histone-associated transcription factors (HIST1H1A, HIST1H1D, and HIST1H1B) suggests potential involvement of histone modification mechanisms. Additionally, pseudogenes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) among the regulated genes indicate non-coding elements' role in these disparities. Exome sequencing identified unique variants in AA patient samples within key genes, including TP73 (tumor suppression), XYLB (metabolism), ALDH4A1 (oxidative stress), PTPRB (cellular signaling), and HLA-DRB5 (immune response). These genetic variations likely contribute to disease progression and therapy response disparities. This study highlights the importance of considering genetic and epigenetic variations in developing tailored therapeutic approaches to improve treatment efficacy and reduce mortality rates across diverse populations.

  PublisherDOI

• Abstract 3910: Patient-derived conditionally reprogrammed cells in prostate cancer research

  Cancer Research · 2025-04-21

  article

  Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of mortality among American men, with metastatic and recurrent disease posing significant therapeutic challenges due to a limited comprehension of the underlying biological processes governing disease initiation, dormancy, and progression. The conventional use of PCa cell lines has proven inadequate in elucidating the intricate molecular mechanisms driving PCa carcinogenesis, hindering the development of effective treatments. To address this gap, patient-derived primary cell cultures have been developed and play a pivotal role in unraveling the pathophysiological intricacies unique to PCa in each individual, offering valuable insights for translational research. This review explores the applications of the conditional reprogramming (CR) cell culture approach, showcasing its capability to rapidly and effectively cultivate patient-derived normal and tumor cells. The CR strategy facilitates the acquisition of stem cell properties by primary cells, precisely recapitulating the human pathophysiology of PCa. This nuanced understanding enables the identification of novel therapeutics. Specifically, our discussion encompasses the utility of CR cells in elucidating PCa initiation and progression, unraveling the molecular pathogenesis of metastatic PCa, addressing health disparities, and advancing personalized medicine. Coupled with the tumor organoid approach and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), CR cells present a promising avenue for comprehending cancer biology, exploring new treatment modalities, and advancing precision medicine in the context of PCa. Citation Format: Abdalla Elbialy, Akshay Sood, Shang-Jui Wang, Peng Wang, Jenny Li, Xuefeng Liu. Patient-derived conditionally reprogrammed cells in prostate cancer research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 3910.

  PublisherDOI

• Healthcare utilisation in people living with HIV: the role of substance use, mood/anxiety disorders and unsustained viral suppression – a retrospective cohort study in British Columbia, Canada, 2001–2019

  BMJ Open · 2025-03-01

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVE: People living with HIV (PLWH) are disproportionately affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and mood/anxiety disorders, which are barriers to sustained viral suppression and can contribute to increased healthcare utilisations. This study examined the impact of SUD and mood/anxiety disorders on healthcare utilisation of PLWH with sustained and unsustained viral suppression. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective population-based cohort study used administrative data from 9757 antiretroviral-treated PLWH (83% men, median age 40 years). Eligible PLWH were≥19 years of age, followed during 2001-2019, and achieved viral suppression at least once during follow-up. SETTING: This study was conducted in British Columbia, Canada. MEASUREMENTS: The exposure variable consisted of eight levels and included (1) sustained suppression, (2) SUD and mood/anxiety disorder diagnoses and the interaction between (1) and (2). Outcome variables included annual counts of primary care and specialist physician visits, laboratory visits, acute care hospitalisation, day surgery episodes and hospital length of stay (LOS). Statistical count models were used to determine the effect of exposure variables on each healthcare utilisation outcome while adjusting for socioeconomic confounders. RESULTS: In the presence of sustained suppression, having both disorders was significantly associated with over four times more acute-care hospitalisations (0.28 vs 0.05), three times longer LOS (9.1 vs 3.0 days) and almost double primary care physician (13.1 vs 6.9) and specialist (7.9 vs 4.0) visits. Overall, SUD alone was associated with increased use of all healthcare services (except day surgery). Regardless of disorder diagnoses, unsustained suppression was associated with higher healthcare utilisation (except day surgery). CONCLUSION: In this study, SUD, mood/anxiety disorders and unsustained suppression, when combined, resulted in the highest healthcare utilisation among PLWH. The results suggest that providing comprehensive mental health and substance use services to PLWH and addressing barriers to sustained suppression could reduce the healthcare burden within this population.

  PublisherDOI

• Is Doxy-PEP Right for Me? Piloting a Novel Patient Decision Aid in an Urban Ambulatory Clinic

  AIDS and Behavior · 2025-08-29

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Canonical and non-canonical functions of the non-coding RNA component (TERC) of telomerase complex

  Cell & Bioscience · 2025-03-01 · 4 citations

  reviewOpen access

  The telomerase complex consists of a protein component (TERT), which has reverse transcriptase activity, and an RNA component (TERC), which serves as a template for telomere synthesis. Evidence is rapidly accumulating regarding the non-canonical functions of these components in both normal or diseased cells. An oligonucleotide-based drug, the first telomerase inhibitor, secured FDA approval in June 2024. We recently summarized the non-canonical functions of TERT in viral infections and cancer. In this review, we expand on these non-canonical functions of TERC beyond telomere maintenance. Specifically, we explore TERC's roles in cellular aging and senescence, immune regulation, genetic diseases, human cancer, as well as involvement in viral infections and host interactions. Finally, we discuss a transcription product of telomere repeats, TERRA, and explore strategies for targeting TERC as a therapeutic approach.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Cohort Profile Update: Reflecting back and looking ahead: Updating the Comparative Outcomes and Service Utilization Trends (COAST) Study to include 28 years of linked data from people with and without HIV in British Columbia, Canada

  International Journal for Population Data Science · 2025-03-06 · 5 citations

  articleOpen access

  Introduction: The Comparative Outcomes and Service Utilization Trends (COAST) study compares health outcomes among People With HIV (PWH) and People Without HIV (PWoH) in British Columbia (BC), Canada. The cohort was recently updated to include persons diagnosed with HIV after March 31, 2013, and expanded to broaden research applications. Methods: COAST includes PWH and a 10% random sample of the general population without HIV, all aged ≥19. Our study links an HIV registry to healthcare practitioner billing, hospital and emergency department attendance data, prescription drug dispensations, and a cancer registry. Our cohort update included new sampling strategies, adding data on emergency department visits not previously captured, and extending our follow-up period to 28 years (from 1992 to 2020). COAST now includes 17,119 PWH and 615,264 PWoH. Findings to date: COAST has contributed to our understanding of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, health service utilization, chronic diseases, mental health and substance use disorders, and mortality among PWH in BC. Key findings include earlier age at diagnosis of certain chronic conditions, a higher incidence of mood disorders among PWH, and noteworthy shifts in causes of death among PWH on ART. The updated cohort will provide insights into the changing nature of the population living with HIV in BC and serves as a novel foundation for further research. Future plans: To explore and extend knowledge of the evolving trends among people living and aging with HIV in BC, regular data linkage updates and the inclusion of additional datasets are scheduled every two years.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Max Chernesky

  St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

  13 shared

• Dan Jang

  St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

  13 shared

• Brett H. Heintz

  New York Proton Center

  12 shared

• Jodi Gilchrist

  St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

  11 shared

• Xuefeng Liu

  11 shared

• Marek Smieja

  McMaster University

  10 shared

• Akina Fujioka

  UC Davis Health System

  9 shared

• Kathy Luinstra

  St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

  9 shared

Labs

• Computational Pathology LabPI