EINSTEIN FACULTY FACULTY PROFILE

Overview of Professional Interests

    Our laboratory is studying how the tumor microenvironment, influences the development and progression of the tumor, with a particular emphasis on the role of inflammatory responses at the tumor site.  The activity of macrophages, which represent the major component of the cellular infiltrates in various solid tumors, is the main focus of our study.  Macrophages are known to be the regulatory cells for both physiological and pathological inflammation; however, their function(s) in tumor progression is still not clear.  Using transgenic approaches to alter the infiltration and function of macrophages in transgene-induced mouse mammary tumors, we have shown that tumor-associated macrophages play an important role in promoting tumor progression to malignancy.  Macrophages may promote this process by regulating tumor angiogenesis, tumor growth and tumor cell migration.  Furthermore, macrophages may manipulate the host immune system so that it favors the survival and metastasis of the tumor. 

    To identify the activities macrophages exert during tumor development and progression, we use genetic manipulation to study in vivo models of colorectal and breast cancer.  The role of macrophages in cytokine network regulation and their impact on mucosal immunity and host defense are also being explored.