Oncolytic viruses are an emerging form of cancer therapy with the ability to selectively lyse and kill tumor cells. Our lab seeks to investigate the mechanisms by which a negative-sense RNA virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), manipulates immune components of the tumor microenvironment. We are particularly interested in dissecting the multifaceted role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in breast cancer development and progression and the potential of VSV strains to modulate TAM populations to promote tumor immunosurveillance. Our research also extends to the identification of plants and their derivatives with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties for the development of combination therapeutic approaches. The work in the laboratory makes use of molecular, biochemical, and cell biology tools and techniques to gain mechanistic insights on how VSV therapies may lead to improved outcomes in aggressive forms of cancers.