Education, Training, and Communications

MCP Graduate Student Michael Pitter Receives Trainee Abstract Award

Oct 16, 2023

Michael Pitter 500.jpgThe Department of Pathology invites you to join us as we congratulate our Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Student, Michael Pitter, on being selected for the 2023 American Association of Immunologists Trainee Abstract Award. As the award recipient, Michael was invited to deliver an oral presentation at IMMUNOLOGY2023 in Washington DC.

Michael’s poster and presentation focused on his discovery of a novel role for peptidyl arginine deimimase 4 (PAD4) in tumor-associated macrophages, which are known to promote tumor growth. He discovered that tumor growth is inhibited when PAD4 is inhibited. PAD4 inhibition leads to a series of linked responses which enhance T-cell anti-tumor function. This discovery opens the door to possible immunotherapy targeting for these cancer patients, who were previously found to experience poor response to immunotherapy protocols.

Michael Pitter conducts an experiment at the fume hood.Pitter responded to news of his award, “Receiving the award is a reminder that I am making progress in my scientific career, a reminder that through my work we have introduced new knowledge and rationales which improve our understanding of macrophage biology in the context of cancer. Winning also reminds me to keep moving forward, to enjoy the journey and to remain fully engaged with my scientific research community.”

Michael is one of many students pursuing their research interests through the Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program. For students interested in joining him in the MCP Program, you are invited to learn more here.