Reprogramming Macrophages: From Tissue Repair to Cancer Immunotherapy, ft. Dr. Miriam Merad

Dr. Patrick Hwu speaks with Dr. Miriam Merad, a leading physician-scientist in dendritic cell and macrophage biology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Merad reflects on her path from medicine to immunology and discusses how tissue-resident macrophages help maintain organ health but can also be fooled by tumors into supporting cancer growth. The conversation explores ways to reprogram macrophages for cancer treatment, the link between aging, inflammation and cancer risk, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, data science and sustained research investment in advancing future cures. What You’ll Learn with Dr. Miriam Merad The role of macrophages in cancer, inflammation and tissue repair Why cancer can exploit the body's natural wound-healing processes New immunotherapy approaches that target and reprogram macrophages The connection between aging, chronic inflammation and cancer risk The future of macrophage-based cancer treatments Mentorship strategies for developing the next generation of immunology leaders