Research And Grants

Targeting Alternatively Activated Macrophages in Diffuse Midline Glioma

Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a currently incurable childhood tumor that arises in the midline or brainstem of the brain. There are likely several reasons why treatments fail in these tumors; our research is focused on macrophages, which normally assist the body in fighting off disease and illness but are co-opted by the tumor to do the opposite. These tumor associated macrophages make up a large part of the tumor and can come from the blood or brain itself. In DMG, these macrophages appear to be switched “off” in a way that prevents them from attacking the tumor. Our research suggests that these cells play a key role in shutting down the body’s immune response and making the tumor resistant to treatment. We are focusing on genes and proteins expressed by these macrophages that are known to suppress the immune system. Using advanced lab models that mimic the human disease, we are testing whether blocking these proteins can help “wake up” the immune system to fight the tumor more effectively, especially when combined with radiation therapy. Ultimately, it is our mission to identify new therapeutic strategies targeting these macrophages to improve outcomes for children with this devastating disease.