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Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Glioma-infiltrating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Glioma-infiltrating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Published on: November 28, 2015

Metal Ions Within the Neuro-Immune-Tumor Axis.

Xi Cheng¹, Hong Pan¹, Yong Dong¹

¹The Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.

Journal of Immunology Research

|June 30, 2026

Summary

Metal ions like calcium and zinc are crucial in the neuro-immune-tumor axis, influencing cell signaling and tumor progression. Future research should focus on targeted metal therapies and advanced imaging for better understanding and treatment.

Keywords:

cuproptosis ferroptosis metal ions metallomics neuro–immune–tumor axis tumor microenvironment

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Glioma-infiltrating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Glioma-infiltrating Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Published on: November 28, 2015

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Immunology
Oncology
Metallomics

Background:

Metal ions (Ca2+, Zn2+, Fe, Cu, Mn, Mg, K+) play critical roles in regulating the neuro-immune-tumor axis.
Neuronal calcium pulses integrate tumor signaling, while zinc transporters modulate synaptic function and tumor growth.
Iron, copper, and manganese influence tumor proliferation, ferroptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune responses (cGAS-STING).

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the significant roles of various metal ions in the complex interactions within the neuro-immune-tumor axis.
To identify persistent knowledge gaps, including limitations in mapping labile metal pools and cell-type-specific perturbations.
To propose a research agenda for developing safer, tumor-targeted metal-modulating therapies.

Main Methods:

Integration of spatial metallomics with single-cell multiomics.
Deployment of metal-sensitive longitudinal imaging techniques.
Application of conditional genetic/chemogenetic perturbations and organotypic models.
Implementation of preclinical pipelines with emphasis on tumor-selective delivery and safety testing.

Main Results:

Established roles of specific metal ions (Ca2+, Zn2+, Fe, Cu, Mn, Mg, K+) in neuro-immune-tumor axis regulation.
Identified vulnerabilities such as ferroptosis (iron) and cuproptosis (copper) as potential therapeutic targets.
Highlighted the potential of manganese as an immune adjuvant and for enhanced MRI contrast.

Conclusions:

Metal ions are indispensable regulators of the neuro-immune-tumor axis, impacting neuronal activity, immune responses, and tumor behavior.
Significant gaps exist in understanding labile metal pool dynamics and developing targeted therapies.
A focused research agenda integrating advanced multi-omics, imaging, and perturbation strategies is crucial for therapeutic development.