Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
Irradiator Commissioning and Dosimetry for Assessment of LQ α and β Parameters, Radiation Dosing Schema, and in vivo Dose Deposition
Published on: March 11, 2021
Low-dose irradiated mesenchymal stromal cells break tumor defensive properties in vivo
Francesca Romana Stefani1,2, Sofia Eberstål1,2, Stefano Vergani1,3
1Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Abstract:
Solid tumors, including gliomas, still represent a challenge to clinicians and first line treatments often fail, calling for new paradigms in cancer therapy. Novel strategies to overcome tumor resistance are mainly represented by multi-targeted approaches, and cell vector-based therapy is one of the most promising treatment modalities under development. Here, we show that mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), when primed with low-dose irradiation (irMSCs), undergo changes in their immunogenic and angiogenic capacity and acquire anti-tumoral properties in a mouse model of glioblastoma (GBM). Following grafting in GL261 glioblastoma, irMSCs migrate extensively and selectively within the tumor and infiltrate predominantly the peri-vascular niche, leading to rejection of established tumors and cure in 29% of animals. The therapeutic radiation dose window is narrow, with effects seen between 2 and 15 Gy, peaking at 5 Gy. A single low-dose radiation decreases MSCs inherent immune suppressive properties in vitro as well as shapes their immune regulatory ability in vivo. Intra-tumorally grafted irMSCs stimulate the immune system and decrease immune suppression. Additionally, irMSCs enhance peri-tumoral reactive astrocytosis and display anti-angiogenic properties. Hence, the present study provides strong evidence for a therapeutic potential of low-dose irMSCs in cancer as well as giving new insight into MSC biology and applications.
Insights
Low-dose irradiation primes mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to effectively target and eliminate glioblastoma in mice. This novel cell therapy approach shows significant anti-tumoral effects and offers a promising new avenue for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Solid tumors like gliomas present significant treatment challenges, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are being explored for cell vector-based cancer therapies.
- Overcoming tumor resistance requires multi-targeted approaches and innovative treatment modalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-tumoral properties of low-dose irradiated MSCs (irMSCs) in a glioblastoma mouse model.
- To understand how low-dose irradiation modifies MSCs' immunogenic and angiogenic capacities.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of irMSCs in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were primed with low-dose irradiation.
- irMSCs were grafted into a mouse model of glioblastoma (GL261).
- Tumor infiltration, immune response, and anti-angiogenic properties of irMSCs were analyzed.
Main Results:
- irMSCs migrated extensively and selectively within glioblastoma tumors, particularly in the peri-vascular niche.
- A therapeutic window for irradiation was identified between 2 and 15 Gy, peaking at 5 Gy.
- irMSCs demonstrated decreased immune suppressive properties, stimulated the immune system, and exhibited anti-angiogenic effects, leading to tumor rejection and cure in 29% of animals.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose irradiated MSCs (irMSCs) possess significant anti-tumoral properties against glioblastoma.
- irMSCs modulate the tumor microenvironment by stimulating the immune system and reducing angiogenesis.
- This study highlights the therapeutic potential of irMSCs and provides insights into MSC biology for cancer applications.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:04Fixing Double-strand Breaks
02:04Fixing Double-strand Breaks
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
02:26Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...