Inflammation Immunity & Tumour Biology Lab

Gliomas are the most common malignant primary brain tumors in adults. The WHO classifies gliomas based on increasing severity from grade I to IV.  Glioblastoma (GBM) are grade IV gliomas that are the most aggressive and malignant central nervous system tumors. In GBM, almost 30-35% of cells are microglia and macrophages, which suggests an essential role of innate immunity in GBM. Innate immune cells express pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect pathogens, damage, and irritant-associated patterns. NLRX1 and AIM2 are PRRs regulating diverse biological processes such as inflammation, apoptosis, and cancer progression. However, few studies talk about the role of AIM2 and NLRX1 in GBM. This research will help us better understand the pathophysiology of GBM, which could lead to the discovery of novel diagnostic/prognostic markers and signaling/pathways that, in turn, will help us create more effective GBM therapy approaches.