Joshua Peters (BRYSON & BLAINEY LABS)

Characterization of Macrophage Heterogeneity in Tuberculosis Granulomas

Macrophages polarize to distinct phenotypes based on functional demands of their environment. The balance of these immune states has been implicated in the formation of granulomas and the progression of tuberculosis. However, the landscape of these phenotypes in tuberculosis remains ill-defined. In this talk, we define transcriptional macrophage states found within tuberculosis granulomas by utilizing single-cell RNA-sequencing data.

Allison Sheen (WITTRUP LAB)

Localized Modification of Oxygen-species to Relieve Tumor Immunosuppression

Targeting immunosuppressive mechanisms in cancer is a promising therapeutic strategy. Levels of oxygen-species in the tumor, such as molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, play an important, yet underappreciated role in immunosuppression. We propose the use of an endogenous antioxidant enzyme to modify the levels of these oxygen-species to relieve immunosuppression and improve anti-tumor immune responses. Here, I will discuss approaches to localize this enzyme in the tumor and explore its immunomodulatory effects.