# Developing Novel Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Macrophages in GBM

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2022 · $3,363

## Abstract

Project Summary
GBM remains the most lethal brain cancer with no effective therapeutics. It has been shown that
the majority of stromal cells in GBM are tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which contribute
to tumor microenvironment heterogeneity and promote GBM progression. We have recently
defined molecular pathways leading to macrophage recruitment and polarization. Our preliminary
data showed that PTEN mutation/deletion in GBM triggers immune response by enhancing
macrophage recruitment through LOX. In addition, we have also identified TBK1 as a key
signaling node regulating macrophage polarization. Aim 1: we will elucidate the mechanism of
LOX mediated macrophage recruitment in GBM; Aim 2: we will determine the molecular basis of
TBK1 mediated macrophage polarization in GBM; Aim 3: we will perform preclinical trials targeting
LOX and TBK1 in combination with standard of care and immune checkpoint blockade to develop
novel therapeutic approach for GBM patients.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10380595
- **Project number:** 5R01CA231349-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Y. Alan Wang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $3,363
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-04-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10380595

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10380595, Developing Novel Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Macrophages in GBM (5R01CA231349-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10380595. Licensed CC0.

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