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Small Messengers: Glioblastoma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Modulate γδ T Lymphocytes Through a MIC-Dependent
Micaela Rosato1,2, Paula Saibene Vélez1, Alejandra Infante Cruz1
1Instituto de Medicina Experimental-CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Pacheco de Melo 3081, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina.
Biology
|February 12, 2026
Summary
Glioblastoma-derived extracellular vesicles activate gamma delta T cells, enhancing their anti-tumor functions. This discovery offers potential for new glioblastoma immunotherapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Gamma delta (γδ) T lymphocytes show potential in targeting GBM.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate cell communication and tumor microenvironment modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of γδ T lymphocyte activation by GBM-derived EVs.
- To assess the impact of GBM-derived EVs on γδ T cells from GBM patients.
Main Methods:
- Purification of γδ T cells from peripheral blood.
- Isolation of EVs from U251 GBM cell line supernatants via differential centrifugation.
- Characterization of EVs.
- Evaluation of γδ T cell-EV interactions and modulation.
Main Results:
- GBM-derived EVs increased CD69 expression on γδ T cells.
- EVs enhanced γδ T cell cytotoxicity and production of TNF-α and IFN-γ.
- The observed effects were mediated by a MIC-dependent mechanism.
Conclusions:
- GBM-derived EVs activate γδ T lymphocytes, promoting an anti-tumoral profile.
- This interaction highlights a novel mechanism for γδ T cell engagement in GBM.
- Findings support the development of EV-based immunotherapies for glioblastoma.
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