Award
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 5R01NS128938-05
Reprograming Macrophages and Targeting Glioma Stem Cells in Glioblastoma
Recipient
Cleveland Clinic Lerner COM-CWRU
Award Amount
$402,500.00
Ceiling
$402,500.00
Awarded
July 30, 2026
Identifier
5R01NS128938-05
The award funds a research project focused on innovative immunotherapy for glioblastoma by reprogramming macrophages and targeting glioma stem cells using repurposed drugs MK-8931 and ibrutinib to improve treatment outcomes.
Description
This project aims to develop a novel therapeutic strategy by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and targeting glioma stem cells (GSCs) to improve glioblastoma treatment. It involves identifying BACE1 as a molecular target to reprogram tumor-promoting macrophages into tumor-suppressive macrophages using the inhibitor MK-8931, and targeting BMX in GSCs with ibrutinib. Both drugs penetrate the blood-brain barrier and are promising candidates for repurposing in glioblastoma therapy. The project hypothesizes that combining these drugs will synergistically suppress glioblastoma growth.