Differences in RaceCAR-M and Naive Macrophage Polarization States Upon Stimulation

RaceCAR-M therapy is a novel technique developed in Denise Montell’s lab, hyperactivating macrophages against specific target cancer cells. Not much is understood about RaceCAR-M's interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME) which notably consists of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). This study aims to determine whether RaceCAR-M’s have the ability to resist the M2 polarizing cytokines often released by TAMs due to their inherent hyperactivity. This will be done through cell culture in M1 and M2 stimulating media paired with antibody staining and flow cytometry. Understanding RaceCAR-M polarization states gives insight into possible mechanisms of TME infiltration.