Xiaolu Sun

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment, where tumor-derived signals can educate TAMs toward an immunosuppressive, M2-like state that supports tumor progression and metastasis. Glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) is highly expressed in tumor-supportive TAMs and aggressive tumor cells, suggesting an important role in reciprocal tumor–macrophage communication. 
My PhD research focuses on deciphering GPNMB-mediated tumor–macrophage crosstalk and the molecular mechanisms governing TAM polarization and reprogramming. A unique panel of anti-human/mouse cross-reactive GPNMB nanobodies (Nbs) provides the core mechanistic toolbox for this work. By targeting distinct GPNMB epitopes and protein interactions, these Nbs with high affinity and epitope specificity enable direct interrogation of GPNMB function at the protein level, offering mechanistic resolution beyond conventional gene knockdown or knockout approaches. This strategy aims to ultimately identify the GPNMB functions that sustain tumor-supportive TAM states and reciprocal tumor signaling, while exploring whether selected nanobodies can reprogram this crosstalk toward a more pro-inflammatory, anti-tumor phenotype. 
 

• ’Precision Therapy of Recurrent Breast Cancer through Targeting Different Malignant Tumor Cells with a HER2/CD44‐Targeted Hydrogel Nanobot’. Small, 2023. (PMID: 37154208)
   

• Lab address: Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Gent, Belgium
• Nanobody lab 
• LinkedIn 
• ORCID
• Xiaolu Sun is interested to receive invitations for talks or presentations