Zena Werb

Zena Werb has made foundational contributions to understanding how neutrophils remodel the tumor microenvironment through secretion of matrix metalloproteinases and other proteases that promote tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Her work demonstrated that neutrophil-derived MMP-9 liberates VEGF from the extracellular matrix to promote tumor angiogenesis. She has revealed how neutrophil proteases create pathways for tumor cell invasion. Her research connects neutrophil effector functions with the structural remodeling of the tumor stroma.