Targeting monocyte recruitment and macrophage function for perineural invasion

Dr. Bakst and his research group previously demonstrated that the immune system plays a significant role in promoting nerve invasion by cancer. In response to cancer, the nerve secretes a molecule that recruits circulating monocytes, which arrive at the nerve and promote nerve invasion through the production of a specific enzyme that disrupts protective layers surrounding nerves. Dr. Bakst and his research group aim to target this conserved innate immune response to impair nerve invasion.