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Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Glioma-infiltrating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Published on: November 28, 2015
Microglia/Brain Macrophages as Central Drivers of Brain Tumor Pathobiology
David H Gutmann1, Helmut Kettenmann2
1Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Abstract:
One of the most common brain tumors in children and adults is glioma or astrocytoma. There are few effective therapies for these cancers, and patients with malignant glioma fare poorly, even after aggressive surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Over the past decade, it is now appreciated that these tumors are composed of numerous distinct neoplastic and non-neoplastic cell populations, which could each influence overall tumor biology and response to therapy. Among these noncancerous cell types, monocytes (microglia and macrophages) predominate. In this Review, we discuss the complex interactions involving microglia and macrophages relevant to glioma formation, progression, and response to therapy.
Insights
Gliomas, common brain tumors, have limited treatments. This review explores how microglia and macrophages influence glioma development, progression, and treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Gliomas, including astrocytomas, are prevalent brain tumors in children and adults.
- Malignant glioma patients exhibit poor prognoses despite aggressive multimodal therapies.
- Tumor microenvironments comprise diverse neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells impacting tumor behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of microglia and macrophages in glioma.
- To elucidate the interactions between monocytes and glioma cells.
- To understand how these interactions affect glioma formation, progression, and therapeutic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on glioma and myeloid cell interactions.
- Analysis of research on microglia and macrophage functions in the tumor microenvironment.
- Synthesis of findings on the impact of these cells on glioma biology.
Main Results:
- Monocytes, specifically microglia and macrophages, are predominant non-cancerous cells within gliomas.
- These myeloid cells engage in complex interactions influencing tumor initiation and growth.
- Microglia and macrophages play critical roles in modulating response to glioma therapies.
Conclusions:
- Targeting microglia and macrophages presents a potential therapeutic strategy for glioma.
- Understanding myeloid cell dynamics is crucial for improving glioma treatment efficacy.
- Further research into glioma-immunology interactions may yield novel therapeutic avenues.
