In the relentless battle against glioblastoma, a deadly high-grade brain cancer known for its aggressive nature and dismal survival rates, researchers at Kean University are pioneering a novel approach that offers newfound hope.
Spearheaded by Dr. Salvatore Coniglio, Assistant Professor at the School of Integrative Science and Technology, the groundbreaking research revolves around genetically engineered macrophages, presenting a potential breakthrough in treating this formidable disease.
Glioblastoma is characterized by the relentless movement of cancer cells throughout the brain and spinal cord, confounding conventional treatment efforts.
With a survival rate of merely 2% after five years, the urgency to explore innovative therapies is paramount. Dr. Coniglio’s team focuses on harnessing the potential of macrophages, the body’s frontline defenders against foreign invaders.
Macrophages, when genetically modified to express fluorescent proteins, offer a unique window into their behavior within the tumor microenvironment.
Through real-time imaging, researchers observe these engineered cells interacting with tumor cells, potentially disrupting their invasive tendencies. This avenue of research sheds light on previously unexplored facets of glioblastoma biology, holding promise for novel therapeutic strategies.
Dr. Coniglio’s collaboration with Dr. James Merritt, dating back to 2014, introduced a significant turning point in the research trajectory.
Leveraging compounds originally developed for arthritis treatment, the team observed a remarkable inhibition of tumor cell invasion. This unexpected discovery underscores the interconnectedness of diverse scientific disciplines and highlights the serendipitous nature of scientific inquiry.
The crux of the research lies in reprogramming macrophages from enablers of tumor malignancy to potent adversaries capable of engulfing and neutralizing cancerous cells. This paradigm shift in macrophage function represents a pivotal avenue of investigation within Dr. Coniglio’s lab, holding profound implications for glioblastoma therapy.
Genetically engineered macrophages (GEMs) are a cellular immunotherapy platform that can deliver therapeutic proteins to solid tumors to activate immune responses.
GEMs can express surface, intracellular, and secreted proteins, and they can persist in solid tumors.
They may be able to: Overcome barriers to cancer immunotherapy, Deliver targeted checkpoint blockade antibodies, Reduce effective concentrations of checkpoint blockade antibodies, and Activate T cells.
GEMs can be genetically engineered with specific chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-Macs) to treat solid tumors. CAR-Macs can enter solid tumor tissue and interact with almost all cellular components in the tumor microenvironment.
Genetic engineering of macrophages can inhibit the immunosuppressive effect of the tumor microenvironment in solid tumors. This strategy can be applied to all stages of cancer treatment. GEMs have been shown to neither cause morbidity in animals nor contribute to accelerated tumor growth.
Kean University, renowned for its commitment to diversity, innovation, and social mobility, provides a fertile ground for transformative research endeavors.
Established in 1855 as a teachers college, Kean has evolved into a dynamic research institution, fostering academic excellence and community engagement.
With its expansive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, coupled with a global footprint encompassing campuses in New Jersey and China, Kean University continues to uphold its mission of delivering accessible, world-class education to students from all walks of life.
As Dr. Coniglio and his team navigate the complexities of glioblastoma research, their efforts epitomize the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery and the unwavering commitment to improving human health.
Dr. Coniglio received his Ph.D. in Anatomy and Structural Biology from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2008. He was an American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellow and is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research.
While the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, the beacon of hope emanating from Kean University’s laboratories illuminates a path toward a future where glioblastoma may no longer cast its shadow of despair.