Immunology Graduate Group

Michael P. Cancro, Ph.D.
Professor, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Address: 284 John Morgan Building
Office Phone: (215) 898-8067
Lab Phone: (215) 898-6668
Fax: 215-573-2350
Email: cancro@mail.med.upenn.edu

Education:
Ph.D., University of Maryland/NIH
B.S., University of Maryland

Research Interests

B Lymphocyte development, selection, and homeostasis; Immunobiology of aging.

Research Summary

The size and makeup of primary B cell compartments is controlled by the proportion of immature B cells that complete differentiation, coupled with the average lifespan of mature B cells. Determining the selective and homeostatic factors controlling these parameters is thus key to understanding how the B cell repertoire is established and maintained.  Our previous work defined the developmental stages spanning immature B cell formation in the marrow and final maturation in the periphery.  More recently, we have focused on the molecular basis for survival and differentiation within these subsets, with emphasis on the role of the BLyS family of TNF ligands and receptors.  Ongoing studies are aimed at determining the molecular and cellular mechanism of BLyS family member action in primary and memory B cell subsets, as well as how signals via the BLyS receptors and BcR are integrated.  Additionally, we have begun studies of how these selective and homeostatic processes change with age. Our results indicate that the size and dynamics of most B cell subsets shift with age, suggesting age-associated alterations in both intrinsic and microenvironmental factors that govern these processes.

Recent Publications

LR Stimulation Modifies BLyS Receptor Expression in Follicular and Marginal Zone B Cells  Laura S. Treml, Gianluca Carlesso, Kristen L. Hoek, Jason E. Stadanlick, Taku Kambayashi, Richard J. Bram, Michael P. Cancro, and Wasif N. Khan J. Immunol. 178: 7531-7539 2007

The Role of BLyS/BLyS receptors in anti-chromatin B cell regulation  Hondowicz, B. S. Alexander, W. J. Quinn III, A. J.Pagan, M. H., Metzger, M. P. Cancro, and J. Erikson  Int. Immunol. 19:165-75  2007

Recent Commentary and Review

Jason E. Stadanick and M. P. Cancro: BAFF and the plasticity of B cell tolerance.  Current Opinion in Immunol. In Press 2008

Juli  P. Miller, J. E. Stadanlick and M. P. Cancro: Space, selection and surveillance: Setting boundaries with BLyS. J. Immunol. 176: 6405-10, June 2006.

 

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