Ohio State Recruits Globally Renowned Researcher in Immunology

In connection to funds raised by the Pelotonia community, Glen Barber, PhD, FRS, a globally distinguished immunologist, was recruited to join the OSUCCC – James’ Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) as director of the Center for Innate Immunity and Inflammation. His groundbreaking work focuses on the body’s innate immune system, which is considered to be the first line of defense against diseases.  

A pivotal achievement of Dr. Barber’s team is the discovery of a signaling pathway controlled by a molecule called STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) that is activated by microbes such as viruses, bacteria and parasites. This finding has sparked efforts to design drugs that strengthen the body’s immune system by boosting the STING pathway, which is important for generating antitumor immunity. 

“Our goal is to design drugs that stimulate innate immunity and test them in new clinical trials,” Dr. Barber explains.  

Dr. Barber’s research also explores the development of vaccines that target viruses linked to cancers. Supported by the National Cancer Institute, these efforts strive to prevent virus-induced cancers through innovative immunological strategies.  

Beyond the lab, Dr. Barber is inspired by the community’s commitment to cancer research, exemplified by Pelotonia. He arrived at Ohio State just a day before Ride Weekend 2024, but he’d had his bicycle shipped from Florida to Columbus and joined the Pelotonia community on the 20-mile route the next day. 

He shares the OSUCCC – James’ vision of creating a cancer-free world. 

“I think it’s possible because there’s so much more to learn, and that means so much opportunity to design ways to combat malignancy,” he explains. “We’re still scratching the surface to a certain extent, but the more we learn through the investment of donors, grants and the cancer center itself, the more team science we can generate and the more trials we can offer. Never say never.” 

With a legacy of discovery and a vision for a cancer-free future, Dr. Barber continues to push the boundaries of immunology to develop transformative treatments.