Research

We develop novel technology platforms that target and alter macrophage phenotypes. 

1. Initiation and blockage of inflammatory cell death.

Inflammatory cell death is a mechanism through which pathogens are identified and eliminated. Unsurprisingly, the machinery responsible for this form of cell death is upregulated in MФs. These forms of cell death are implicated in cancer (under-active death) and autoimmune disorders (over-active death). In collaboration with​ The Masters and Vince Labs, we’ve generated a peptide therapeutic that can induce this form of cell death and treat cancer. Currently, we are working on series of candidate peptides that can both block and initiate these mechanisms, altering MФ behavior.

2. Induce or reverse trained innate immunity

Through a clinical collaboration with The Park and Gardner Labs at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, we are exploring how specific epigenetic markers in primary patient monocytes can predict MФ functional behavior. We believe these epigenetic marks can train MФ functional response and drive disease progression. If true, these epigenetic maps that were are creating can outline and predict both cancer and therapeutic success. We hope to harness this understanding to develop both clinical biomarker assays and novel tools.