Skip to main content

Christopher Pirozzi

Assistant Professor in Pathology
Pathology
203 Research Drive, MSRB-1, Room 159, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Dr. Pirozzi's work thus far has been dedicated to studying brain tumors, particularly gliomas. During his research career, he has focused on identifying the common mutations present in gliomas and how these different mutations correlate with diagnoses and prognoses. To this end, Christopher was involved in several publications that identified and stratified brain tumor patients based on their mutation spectrum. For example, mutations in ATRX, CIC, FUBP1, and IDH1 can be used to distinguish patients with astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas on a genetic level which can complement the difficult work of neuropathologists and better direct patient therapeutics. Christopher utilized these mutations as a foundation for animal modeling, leading to genetically faithful and biologically relevant systems that are applied to both basic research to understand the pathogenic nature of these mutations, as well as pre-clinical and translational research to understand how best to treat these tumors. Christopher’s work in animal modeling and understanding mutant IDH1-mediated gliomagenesis was recognized in several forms including first place winner of the Duke University School of Medicine’s Clinical Research Day poster session, being an invited speaker at the annual Department of Pathology’s Retreat, and as the recipient of the Robert and Barbara Bell Basic Science Cancer Research Award recognized at the Fifth Annual DCI Scientific Retreat in 2017.

Dr. Pirozzi is currently working on utilizing those mutations identified in the human genetic screens for immunotherapeutic purposes. He has generated a series of orthotopic intracranial injection-based immune-competent animal models for which he is actively investigating the impact the mutations have on the tumor-immune microenvironment and whether the tumor-immune microenvironment can be manipulated to promote an anti-tumor response. Specifically, his most recently funded Department of Defense Idea Award with Special Focus entails understanding the impact mutant IDH1 is having on the Th17 T cell lineage and whether this can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. 

Christopher contributed to the successful funding of several grants including a Duke Cancer Institute Cancer Research Pilot Grant as well as an R33, focusing on the identification and cloning of mutation-specific T cell receptors that could be used for adoptive transfer. Understanding the tumor-immune microenvironment and whether it can be manipulated to improve therapeutics or promote an anti-tumor immune response, and the identification of tumor-specific therapies that will avoid collateral damage to the sensitive brain are active lines of investigation.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Professor in Pathology · 2022 - Present Pathology, Clinical Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2020 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

Recent Publications


The CCL5/CCR5/SHP2 axis sustains Stat1 phosphorylation and activates NF-κB signaling promoting M1 macrophage polarization and exacerbating chronic prostatic inflammation.

Journal Article Cell Commun Signal · December 5, 2024 BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic prostatitis (CP) is a condition markered by persistent prostate inflammation, yet the specific cytokines driving its progression remain largely undefined. This study aims to identify key cytokines involved in CP and invest ... Full text Link to item Cite

Targeting Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Enhances the Efficacy of Radiotherapy in Glioma.

Journal Article Cancer Res · November 4, 2024 Radiotherapy (RT) is commonly used to try to eliminate any remaining tumor cells following surgical resection of glioma. However, tumor recurrence is prevalent, highlighting the unmet medical need to develop therapeutic strategies to enhance the efficacy o ... Full text Link to item Cite

Interplay between ATRX and IDH1 mutations governs innate immune responses in diffuse gliomas.

Journal Article Nat Commun · January 25, 2024 Stimulating the innate immune system has been explored as a therapeutic option for the treatment of gliomas. Inactivating mutations in ATRX, defining molecular alterations in IDH-mutant astrocytomas, have been implicated in dysfunctional immune signaling. ... Full text Link to item Cite
View All Publications

Recent Grants


Sirpiglenastat for treating glioblastoma

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Uncle Kory Foundation · 2025 - 2025

Murine modeling and immunotherapeutic targeting of GPC3 positive prostate cancer

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Mike Slive Foundation · 2025 - 2025

View All Grants

Education, Training & Certifications


Duke University · 2014 Ph.D.