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GBM Immunotherapy: Macrophage Impacts
Nina Loginova1, Denis Aniskin1, Peter Timashev2
1Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Centre "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
Background:
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an extremely aggressive form of brain tumor with low survival rates. Current treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are problematic due to tumor growth, invasion, and tumor microenvironment. GBM cells are resistant to these standard treatments, and the heterogeneity of the tumor makes it difficult to find a universal approach. Progression of GBM and acquisition of resistance to therapy are due to the complex interplay between tumor cells and the TME. A significant portion of the TME consists of an inflammatory infiltrate, with microglia and macrophages being the predominant cells.
Methods:
Analysis of the literature data over a course of 5 years suggest that the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are capable of releasing cytokines and growth factors that promote tumor proliferation, survival, and metastasis while inhibiting immune cell function at the same time.
Results:
Thus, immunosuppressive state, provided with this intensively studied kind of TME cells, is supposed to promote GBM development through TAMs modulation of tumor treatment-resistance and aggressiveness. Therefore, TAMs are an attractive therapeutic target in the treatment of glioblastoma.
Conclusion:
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on the nature of TAMs and the development of therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs, focusing on the variety of macrophage properties, being modulated, as well as molecular targets.
Insights
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote glioblastoma (GBM) growth and treatment resistance. Targeting these cells offers a promising therapeutic strategy for this aggressive brain cancer.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Standard treatments face challenges due to tumor heterogeneity, invasion, and the tumor microenvironment (TME).
- The TME includes inflammatory cells like microglia and macrophages, crucial for tumor progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in GBM development.
- To explore TAMs as a therapeutic target for glioblastoma.
- To summarize recent research on TAM properties and targeted therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies over the past 5 years.
- Analysis of TAMs' contribution to tumor proliferation, survival, and metastasis.
- Examination of TAMs' role in immune suppression and treatment resistance.
Main Results:
- TAMs release factors that enhance GBM proliferation, survival, and metastasis.
- TAMs inhibit anti-tumor immune cell function, creating an immunosuppressive environment.
- TAMs significantly contribute to GBM treatment resistance and aggressiveness.
Conclusions:
- TAMs are key players in promoting glioblastoma development and therapeutic resistance.
- Targeting TAMs represents a promising strategy for glioblastoma treatment.
- Further research into TAM properties and molecular targets is essential for developing effective therapies.
