Samuel Weinberg, MD
Assistant Professor, Pathology
Research Program
Cancer-Focused Research
My group's research focuses on determining how cell-intrinsic and environmental metabolic alterations influence immune cell function and shape immunity, with the long-term goal of identifying clinically relevant immunometabolic mechanisms that can be targeted to enhance cancer immunotherapies. Nutrient restriction, hypoxia, and the buildup of metabolic waste products, which are hallmarks of the tumor microenvironment, are correlated with reduced antitumor immunity. However, the specific immunometabolic mechanisms by which these stresses impair intratumoral immune responses remain largely unknown. To address this critical knowledge gap, my laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining metabolomics, CRISPR screening, and rigorous animal models to identify targetable pathways that could be exploited to enhance antitumor immune therapies. Currently, we are working to identify the mechanism by which elevated intratumoral lactate alters regulatory T cell and dendritic cell function. Further, we are also identifying novel metabolic regulators of intratumoral dendritic cell function using a combination of metabolomics and CRISPR screening. Our research has the potential to significantly advance the field of cancer immunotherapy by uncovering new therapeutic targets and strategies to improve the efficacy of existing treatments. By dissecting the complex interplay between metabolism and immunity within the tumor microenvironment, we aim to develop innovative approaches that can overcome metabolic barriers to effective antitumor immunity and ultimately improve patient outcomes.