Cristabelle De Souza, PhD is an Instructor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, where she leads a translational research program dedicated to the study of tumor microenvironment biology and the engineering of novel therapeutic antibodies. Her work resides at the intersection of immunology and pathology, with a specific focus on the signaling circuits between cancer-associated fibroblasts and the innate immune system that drive progression in aggressive solid tumors.
As a Principal Investigator supported by the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation (DTRF), Dr. De Souza is spearheading the development of first-in-class therapeutic strategies for fibrotic tumor models. Her research investigates the mechanisms of stromal-immune reprogramming, seeking to leverage these pathways to halt tumor growth and improve patient outcomes. Her technical expertise includes high-dimensional spatial proteomics, patient-derived organoid modeling, and complex 3D co-culture systems, enabling her to move discoveries from the laboratory bench toward preclinical validation.
Dr. De Souza’s career is marked by the development of significant intellectual property, including three patents for therapeutic strategies such as an anti-CD63 program and a recycling anti-Osteopontin (OPN) antibody. She has been selected for highly competitive leadership and innovation programs, including the Emerson Consequential Scholars Program and the 50 Years VC Fellowship. In addition to her research, she serves as a dedicated mentor and instructor at Stanford, where she has trained over 30 scientists and clinicians in tumor microenvironment biology and translational therapeutics.
