The Hidden Lives of Blood
Translational Hematology & Immunology
Cho Lab studies bone marrow immunity in plasma cell disorders and hyperinflammatory syndromes. Based at the Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, we combine patient samples, single-cell analysis, functional experiments, and clinical data.
Explore our research · Meet the team
Immune surveillance in plasma cell disorders
We study immune cells from monoclonal gammopathy through multiple myeloma, focusing on those that retain the ability to kill myeloma cells. We ask how treatment changes their activity and how it might be preserved or strengthened.
Myeloid cells in hyperinflammation
In secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and related syndromes, persistent myeloid cell activation can drive systemic inflammation. We investigate when this activation begins, what sustains it, and which pathways might be targeted.
From patient samples to clinical studies
We follow patients over time, linking bone marrow and blood samples to clinical data. We identify immune cell states, test their functions experimentally, and examine their relationships with treatment response and outcomes.
Selected findings
Adaptive NK cells and daratumumab
Adaptive NK cells express less CD38 and are less susceptible to daratumumab-induced fratricide. Their abundance in bone marrow is associated with patient-specific antibody-dependent cytotoxicity. Clinical Cancer Research 2021
Soluble MIC and NKG2D
Tumor-derived soluble MIC reduces NKG2D expression on NK cells. In ex vivo experiments, an anti-MIC antibody restored NK-cell cytotoxicity. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer 2024
CD4 cytotoxic T cells in myeloma
Clonally expanded CD4 cytotoxic T cells kill myeloma cells through NKG2D. Higher abundance was associated with survival. Blood 2025
Latest from the lab
Sep 2026 — Hyunsoo Cho and Hi Eun Jung each received an NRF Core Research Grant.
Aug 2026 — Hyunsoo Cho was selected as a SUHF Fellow; Ji Eun Lee received a Health Fellowship Foundation scholarship.
Apr 2026 — Oral presentation at the AACR Annual Meeting.