Reprogramming macrophages to fight glioblastoma by targeting glioma stem cells
Official title: Reprograming Macrophages and Targeting Glioma Stem Cells in Glioblastoma
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11378347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to find drugs that reprogram tumor-supporting immune cells in glioblastoma to become tumor-fighting, helping kill cancer stem cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS128938-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378347 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with glioblastoma or those at risk for recurrence who could participate in future immune-therapy trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with different brain tumors or conditions not driven by glioblastoma may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project looks at glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, and how immune cells in the tumor can be turned from allies of the cancer into attackers. Researchers use a screening system with human-derived macrophages and glioma cells to identify compounds that shift macrophages from a pro-tumor state to an anti-tumor state and promote cancer cell clearance. By focusing on BACE1 as a target, the work seeks drugs that both reprogram immune cells and work alongside strategies aimed at the cancer stem cells that drive resistance. If successful, the approach could enhance the body’s own ability to control or reduce tumor growth. The research blends cellular models with translational aims to move promising compounds toward future therapies for patients with glioblastoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with glioblastoma could benefit from therapies that empower immune cells to attack the tumor.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that reprogramming macrophages can enhance tumor cell killing in some models, but this exact approach targeting BACE1 in TAMs is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bao, Shideng — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Bao, Shideng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Changing Immune Cells to Fight Brain Tumors
This project looks for ways to change immune cells in the brain to help them fight glioblastoma, a serious type of brain cancer.
-
Reprogramming immune cells to fight brain tumors
This study is looking at ways to help the immune system fight glioblastoma, a tough brain tumor, by changing certain immune cells called macrophages so they can better attack the tumor, and it's for anyone affected by this condition who wants to see new treatment options.
-
Small molecules to block Slit2/ROBO in glioblastoma
A study to test small molecule drugs that block Slit2/ROBO signals to help treat glioblastoma in patients.
-
Immunotherapy for glioblastoma: advancing treatment and understanding
A patient-friendly summary of a grant exploring new immune-based treatments for glioblastoma to improve options for people affected by this brain cancer.
-
Small-molecule and biologic treatments for glioblastoma using targeted brain delivery
A new approach aims to use FPS-ZM1 to shrink brain swelling and support immunotherapy for glioblastoma, potentially helping patients recover after surgery.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.