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Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Pathological Characterization of Tumor Immune Microenvironment (TIME) in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Francesca Napoli1, Angela Listì2, Vanessa Zambelli1
1Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
Abstract:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and highly aggressive disease that arises from pleural mesothelial cells, characterized by a median survival of approximately 13-15 months after diagnosis. The primary cause of this disease is asbestos exposure and the main issues associated with it are late diagnosis and lack of effective therapies. Asbestos-induced cellular damage is associated with the generation of an inflammatory microenvironment that influences and supports tumor growth, possibly in association with patients' genetic predisposition and tumor genomic profile. The chronic inflammatory response to asbestos fibers leads to a unique tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) composed of a heterogeneous mixture of stromal, endothelial, and immune cells, and relative composition and interaction among them is suggested to bear prognostic and therapeutic implications. TIME in MPM is known to be constituted by immunosuppressive cells, such as type 2 tumor-associated macrophages and T regulatory lymphocytes, plus the expression of several immunosuppressive factors, such as tumor-associated PD-L1. Several studies in recent years have contributed to achieve a greater understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms in tumor development and pathobiology of TIME, that opens the way to new therapeutic strategies. The study of TIME is fundamental in identifying appropriate prognostic and predictive tissue biomarkers. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge about the pathological characterization of TIME in MPM.
Insights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer linked to asbestos. Understanding its tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is key to developing new therapies and biomarkers for this rare disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure.
- Late diagnosis and limited effective therapies contribute to poor prognosis, with a median survival of 13-15 months.
- Asbestos exposure creates an inflammatory microenvironment that promotes tumor growth, influenced by host genetics and tumor profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the pathological characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in MPM.
- To highlight the role of TIME in MPM pathogenesis and its potential as a source of prognostic and predictive biomarkers.
- To explore how insights into TIME can inform new therapeutic strategies for MPM.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing recent research on MPM and its TIME.
- Analysis of the cellular and molecular components within the MPM TIME.
- Examination of the prognostic and therapeutic implications of TIME characteristics.
Main Results:
- MPM's TIME is characterized by immunosuppressive cells, including type 2 tumor-associated macrophages and T regulatory lymphocytes.
- Expression of immunosuppressive factors like PD-L1 is noted within the MPM TIME.
- The composition and interactions of stromal, endothelial, and immune cells within the TIME are crucial.
Conclusions:
- The TIME in MPM plays a significant role in disease progression and response to therapy.
- Further characterization of TIME is essential for identifying novel biomarkers for MPM.
- Understanding the MPM TIME paves the way for developing targeted immunotherapies and improving patient outcomes.
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