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Updated: May 9, 2026
Coculture Assays to Study Macrophage and Microglia Stimulation of Glioblastoma Invasion
Published on: October 20, 2016
Microglia and macrophages in malignant gliomas: recent discoveries and implications for promising therapies
Anna Carolina Carvalho da Fonseca1, Behnam Badie
1Laboratório de Morfogênese Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Abstract:
Malignant gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. Their deadliest manifestation, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), accounts for 15% of all primary brain tumors and is associated with a median survival of only 15 months even after multimodal therapy. There is substantial presence of microglia and macrophages within and surrounding brain tumors. These immune cells acquire an alternatively activated phenotype with potent tumor-tropic functions that contribute to glioma growth and invasion. In this review, we briefly summarize recent data that has been reported on the interaction of microglia/macrophages with brain tumors and discuss potential application of these findings to the development of future antiglioma therapies.
Insights
Microglia and macrophages promote malignant glioma growth and invasion. Targeting these immune cells offers a promising strategy for developing novel anti-glioma therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer immunology
- Tumor microenvironment
Background:
- Malignant gliomas, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are aggressive primary brain tumors with poor prognosis.
- Microglia and macrophages are abundant immune cells within and around brain tumors.
- These immune cells adopt a tumor-promoting phenotype, enhancing glioma growth and invasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on microglia/macrophage interactions in brain tumors.
- To discuss the potential of targeting these immune cells for future anti-glioma therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific data.
- Analysis of microglia and macrophage roles in glioma progression.
- Discussion of therapeutic implications.
Main Results:
- Microglia and macrophages exhibit tumor-tropic functions in gliomas.
- These immune cells contribute significantly to glioma growth and invasion.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for therapeutic development.
Conclusions:
- Targeting microglia and macrophages represents a potential therapeutic avenue for malignant gliomas.
- Further research into immune cell modulation could lead to improved anti-glioma treatments.
