Damon Runyon Researchers

Dr. Cambier [HHMI Fellow] studies the role of cells called macrophages in mediating inflammation in immune responses to cancer. He is using the Mycobacterium marinum/zebrafish model of infection to examine misguided immune responses, many of which are shared with cancer. In particular, he proposes to study the distribution of a mycobacterial glycolipid molecule that is associated with driving macrophage activation and death, and will visualize the interactions of these glycolipids with macrophages in a living system. This new imaging approach along with the ability to manipulate host and pathogen genetics in a controlled setting will shed light on the inflammatory mechanisms driving disease. He hopes these findings will lead to new cancer therapies that modulate macrophages.