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Updated: May 30, 2026
Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections
Published on: July 31, 2017
Hypothesis: are neoplastic macrophages/microglia present in glioblastoma multiforme?
Leanne C Huysentruyt1, Zeynep Akgoc, Thomas N Seyfried
1Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
Abstract:
Most malignant brain tumours contain various numbers of cells with characteristics of activated or dysmorphic macrophages/microglia. These cells are generally considered part of the tumour stroma and are often described as TAM (tumour-associated macrophages). These types of cells are thought to either enhance or inhibit brain tumour progression. Recent evidence indicates that neoplastic cells with macrophage characteristics are found in numerous metastatic cancers of non-CNS (central nervous system) origin. Evidence is presented here suggesting that subpopulations of cells within human gliomas, specifically GBM (glioblastoma multiforme), are neoplastic macrophages/microglia. These cells are thought to arise following mitochondrial damage in fusion hybrids between neoplastic stem cells and macrophages/microglia.
Insights
Malignant brain tumors, including glioblastoma, may contain neoplastic macrophages/microglia. These cells might originate from stem cells fusing with macrophages, potentially impacting tumor growth.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Malignant brain tumors often feature cells resembling activated macrophages/microglia, known as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs).
- TAMs are implicated in modulating brain tumor progression, with roles in both enhancement and inhibition.
- Neoplastic cells with macrophage characteristics are increasingly recognized in metastatic cancers beyond the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that specific cell subpopulations in human gliomas, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), represent neoplastic macrophages/microglia.
- To explore the potential origin of these neoplastic macrophage-like cells within gliomas.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological analysis of human glioma samples.
- Immunophenotypic characterization of tumor cells.
- Exploration of cellular origins and potential mechanisms of neoplastic transformation.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests that subpopulations of cells within glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) exhibit characteristics of neoplastic macrophages/microglia.
- These cells are proposed to arise from fusion hybrids between neoplastic stem cells and macrophages/microglia.
- Mitochondrial damage is implicated as a potential trigger in the formation of these neoplastic cells.
Conclusions:
- Human gliomas, including GBM, may harbor neoplastic macrophages/microglia.
- These cells potentially originate from the fusion of neoplastic stem cells and macrophages/microglia, possibly due to mitochondrial damage.
- Understanding these cell populations could offer new insights into glioma pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.
