Brain cancer research stands to benefit from the perspectives, tools, and methodologies of non-traditional fields, such as mechanical engineering. Here, I will discuss our engineering-based approaches to understanding “immunomechanics” (i.e., the generation of physical forces by immune cells) and “mechano-immunology” (i.e., the impact of physical forces on immune cell function) in the context of glioblastoma– a rare but universally fatal brain cancer. The heterogeneous and abnormal tumor microenvironment associated with glioblastoma is comprised up to 50% by immune cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages. These macrophages are reciprocally regulated with mechanics in the tumor microenvironment, which can drive cancer progression and treatment resistance. I will describe a novel in vitro model to study these interactions and reveal targetable mechanisms to improve therapeutic response, not only in the context of glioblastoma, but other cancers as well.  

Learning objectives:

1. Explain and distinguish immunomechanics and mechano-immunology.

2. Describe the mechanical forces generated by brain tumors as they grow.

3. Discuss the impact of mechanical forces on brain tumor immunity.