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Michael Brown

Assistant Professor in Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery, Neuro-Oncology

Overview


Dr. Brown’s research focuses on leveraging intratumor innate immunity for cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the context of malignant brain tumors. Dr. Brown's lab uses mouse cancer models, ex vivo human tumor slice culture assays, and clinical trial associated specimens to decode mechanisms by which intratumor innate immune cells control cancer immune surveillance and develop novel in situ vaccine approaches that engage endogenous antitumor T cells. The Brown lab also collaborates with clinicians and other research groups to facilitate the translation of novel therapies, define determinants of successful immunotherapy, and elucidate mechanisms explaining immune dysfunction in patients with cancer.  

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Professor in Neurosurgery · 2022 - Present Neurosurgery, Neuro-Oncology, Neurosurgery
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2023 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

Recent Publications


Polio virotherapy provokes MDA5 signaling and CD4+ T cell help to mediate cancer in situ vaccination.

Journal Article Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · July 8, 2025 SUMMARYThere is overwhelming evidence that antitumor CD8+ T cell responses can mediate effective tumor control. CD8+ T cell responses are quintessential defensive measures directed against categorically intracellular pathogens. It is thus intuitively obvio ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Epigenetic Programming of T Cells for Enhanced Cellular Immunotherapy

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2024 - 2029

Role of ATRX deficiency as a determinant of topoisomerase 1 inhibitor sensitivity in high grade gliomas

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by American Cancer Society, Inc. · 2025 - 2028

Biomarkers to Advance Clinical Phenotypes of Low Back Pain (BACk)

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases · 2023 - 2028

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Education, Training & Certifications


Duke University · 2016 Ph.D.