Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of primary central nervous system lymphoma by experimental animal models

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and invasive diffuse large B cell lymphoma confined in central nervous system (CNS). The effort to press forward the translational progress has been frustrated by the insufficient understanding of immunophenotype of CNS and tumor genetic alterations of PCNSL, and the lack of validated diagnostic biomarkers. Researchers now have a variety of PCNSL animal models at their disposal that resemble the morphology and immunophenotype of PCNSL, however, a careful and detailed re-examination of these animal models is needed to clarify the differences in genetic alterations, migration capability, and immune status. In this review, we present the knowledge about the phenotypic and genotypic features of PCNSL tumor cells, and compile the preclinical animal models of PCNSL with regard to various injection sites, cell origins, recipient animals, and immune status, and elaborate on the tropism and migration of tumor cells and novel therapeutic strategies for PCNSL. We envisage that the selection of suitable animal models will serve as a well-defined preclinical system to understand the molecular pathogenesis of PCNSL, thereby galvanizing the development of novel and potent therapeutic approaches.