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Updated: Jan 1, 2026

Orthotopic Implantation and Peripheral Immune Cell Monitoring in the II-45 Syngeneic Rat Mesothelioma Model
Published on: October 2, 2015
The Immune Microenvironment in Mesothelioma: Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy
Gerard J Chu1, Nico van Zandwijk2, John E J Rasko3
1Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Department of Immunology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Abstract:
Although mesothelioma is the consequence of a protracted immune response to asbestos fibers and characterized by a clear immune infiltrate, novel immunotherapy approaches show less convincing results as compared to those seen in melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. The immune suppressive microenvironment in mesothelioma is likely contributing to this therapy resistance. Therefore, it is important to explore the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment for explanations for this recalcitrant behavior. This review describes the stromal, cytokine, metabolic, and cellular milieu of mesothelioma, and attempts to make connection with the outcome of immunotherapy trials.
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