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Collado J, Boland L, Ahrendsen JT, Miska J, Lee-Chang C. Understanding the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment: leveraging the extracellular matrix to increase immunotherapy efficacy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336476. [PMID: 38380331 PMCID: PMC10876826 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) accounts for approximately half of all malignant brain tumors, and it remains lethal with a five-year survival of less than 10%. Despite the immense advancements in the field, it has managed to evade even the most promising therapeutics: immunotherapies. The main reason is the highly spatiotemporally heterogeneous and immunosuppressive GBM tumor microenvironment (TME). Accounting for this complex interplay of TME-driven immunosuppression is key to developing effective therapeutics. This review will explore the immunomodulatory role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by establishing its contribution to the TME as a key mediator of immune responses in GBM. This relationship will help us elucidate therapeutic targets that can be leveraged to develop and deliver more effective immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Collado
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lauren Boland
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jared T Ahrendsen
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jason Miska
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Lurie Cancer Center, Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Catalina Lee-Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Lurie Cancer Center, Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
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2
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Huang SY, Lin HH, Yao M, Tang JL, Wu SJ, Hou HA, Chou WC, Chou SC, Hsu SC, Ko BS, Lu HY, Tsay W, Tien HF. Higher Decorin Levels in Bone Marrow Plasma Are Associated with Superior Treatment Response to Novel Agent-Based Induction in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Myeloma - A Retrospective Study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137552. [PMID: 26379028 PMCID: PMC4574783 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth of myeloma cells depends on bone marrow (BM) stroma consisting of stromal cells, secreted cytokines and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan in the ECM, is a signaling ligand and native anti-tumor agent. However, the role of decorin in patients with myeloma is not clear. We evaluated the correlation between the decorin levels measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in BM plasma from 121 patients with newly diagnosed myeloma based on their clinical features and treatment response. The median decorin levels in the patients and the normal control group were 12.31 ng/mL [standard deviation (SD), 7.50 ng/mL; range, 2.45 to 44.46 ng/mL] and 10.31 ng/mL (SD, 2.42 ng/mL; range, 4.85-15.14 ng/mL), respectively (P < 0.001). Using 15.15 ng/mL as a cut-off, 46 patients (38%) exhibited higher decorin levels (H-DCN), whereas the other patients exhibited normal to lower decorin levels (NL-DCN). Except for the median age, which was significantly younger in the H-DCN than in the NL-DCN group (60.6 ± 14.0 vs. 65.8 ± 12.2 years, respectively; P = 0.034), there were no differences between the two groups. However, in 79 patients who had received novel agent-based induction, the overall response rate was significantly better in the H-DCN than in the NL-DCN (97 vs. 63%, respectively; P < 0.001), as was the depth of responses (P = 0.008), which were not observed in those who had received chemotherapeutic agents alone. Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in H-DCN than NL-DCN (not reached vs. 19.5 mo, respectively; P = 0.0003). Multivariate analyses indicated that H-DCN, as a significantly independent factor, was associated with better treatment response (odds ratio, 20.014; 95% CI, 2.187-183.150; P = 0.008) and longer PFS (hazard ratio, 0.135; 95% CI, 0.051-0.361; P < 0.001). These findings disclose the potential role of decorin in myeloma and provide a basis for further study on possible synergistic anti-myeloma effects between decorin and the novel agents that target BM stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Yi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| | - Hsiu-Hsia Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming Yao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Luh Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Ju Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-An Hou
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Chou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Chieh Chou
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Chun Hsu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Sheng Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Yun Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Woei Tsay
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hwei-Fang Tien
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Medical College and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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3
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Ma HI, Hueng DY, Shui HA, Han JM, Wang CH, Lai YH, Cheng SY, Xiao X, Chen MT, Yang YP. Intratumoral decorin gene delivery by AAV vector inhibits brain glioblastomas and prolongs survival of animals by inducing cell differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:4393-414. [PMID: 24625664 PMCID: PMC3975403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15034393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant cancer in the central nervous system with poor clinical prognosis. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of an anti-cancer protein, decorin, by delivering it into a xenograft U87MG glioma tumor in the brain of nude mice through an adeno-associated viral (AAV2) gene delivery system. Decorin expression from the AAV vector in vitro inhibited cultured U87MG cell growth by induction of cell differentiation. Intracranial injection of AAV-decorin vector to the glioma-bearing nude mice in vivo significantly suppressed brain tumor growth and prolonged survival when compared to control non-treated mice bearing the same U87MG tumors. Proteomics analysis on protein expression profiles in the U87MG glioma cells after AAV-mediated decorin gene transfer revealed up- and down-regulation of important proteins. Differentially expressed proteins between control and AAV-decorin-transduced cells were identified through MALDI-TOF MS and database mining. We found that a number of important proteins that are involved in apoptosis, transcription, chemotherapy resistance, mitosis, and fatty acid metabolism have been altered as a result of decorin overexpression. These findings offer valuable insight into the mechanisms of the anti-glioblastoma effects of decorin. In addition, AAV-mediated decorin gene delivery warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic approach for brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-I Ma
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan.
| | - Dueng-Yuan Hueng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan.
| | - Hao-Ai Shui
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan.
| | - Jun-Ming Han
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan.
| | - Chi-Hsien Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan.
| | - Ying-Hsiu Lai
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan.
| | - Shi-Yuan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute. The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center of Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Ming-Teh Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan.
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Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common form of primary brain cancer. In the past decade, virotherapy of tumors has gained credence, particularly in glioma management, as these tumors are not completely resectable and tend to micro-metastasize. Adenoviral vectors have an advantage over other viral vectors in that they are relatively non-toxic and do not integrate in the genome. However, the lack of coxsackie and adenovirus receptors on surface of gliomas provides for inefficient transduction of wild-type adenoviral vectors in these tumors. By targeting receptors that are overexpressed in gliomas, modified adenoviral constructs have been shown to efficiently infect glioma cells. In addition, by taking advantage of tumor-specific promoter elements, oncolytic adenoviral vectors offer the promise of selective tumor-specific replication. This dual targeting strategy has enabled specificity in both laboratory and pre-clinical settings. This review examines current trends in adenoviral virotherapy of gliomas, with an emphasis on targeting modalities and future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvobroto Nandi
- The University of Chicago, The Brain Tumor Center, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
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Gomez GG, Kruse CA. Cellular and functional characterization of immunoresistant human glioma cell clones selected with alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes reveals their up-regulated synthesis of biologically active TGF-beta. J Immunother 2007; 30:261-73. [PMID: 17414317 PMCID: PMC1894900 DOI: 10.1097/01.cji.0000211339.81211.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Two immunoresistant (IR) glioma cell variants, 13-06-IR29 and 13-06-IR30, were cloned from 13-06-MG glioma cell populations after receiving continuous immunoselective pressure from multiple alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocyte (aCTL) preparations. Reapplication of aCTL immunoselective pressure to the IR clones, displaying a partial regain in sensitivity to aCTL after removal of the selective pressure, restored the resistance. The IR variants exhibited cross-resistance to non-human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted effector cells and gamma-irradiation, but not to carmustine. The IR clones were characterized for factors that might contribute to the immunoresistance. The aCTL adhesion to extracellular matrix extracts derived from either the IR clones or the parental cells was similar and not impaired. Furthermore, aCTL binding to parental cells and IR clones was equal. Down-regulation of the cell recognition molecules, class I HLA or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), that would inhibit their recognition by aCTL was not observed on the IR clones. The down-regulation of Fas by the IR clones correlated with their resistance to FasL-induced apoptosis. HLA-G or FasL that might provide an immunotolerant environment or provide a means of counterattack to aCTL, respectively, were not associated with the IR phenotype. The aCTL, coincubated with the IR clones and parental cells, displayed up-regulation of multiple secreted cytokines. A significant up-regulation of bioactive transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta was observed in the IR clones compared with the parental cells. These data suggest that increased secretion of bioactive TGF-beta may inhibit aCTL lysis of the IR clones. Disruption of the TGF-beta signaling pathway may circumvent the resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- German G. Gomez
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
| | - Carol A. Kruse
- Division of Cancer Biology and Brain Tumor Research Program, The La Jolla Institute for Molecular Medicine, San Diego, CA
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6
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Honma K, Miyata T, Ochiya T. Type I collagen gene suppresses tumor growth and invasion of malignant human glioma cells. Cancer Cell Int 2007; 7:12. [PMID: 17578585 PMCID: PMC1925056 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-7-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2007] [Accepted: 06/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Invasion is a hallmark of a malignant tumor, such as a glioma, and the progression is followed by the interaction of tumor cells with an extracellular matrix (ECM). This study examined the role of type I collagen in the invasion of the malignant human glioma cell line T98G by the introduction of the human collagen type I α1 (HCOL1A1) gene. Results The cells overexpressing HCOL1A1 were in a cluster, whereas the control cells were scattered. Overexpression of HCOL1A1 significantly suppressed the motility and invasion of the tumor cells. The glioma cell growth was markedly inhibited in vitro and in vivo by the overexpression of HCOL1A1; in particular, tumorigenicity completely regressed in nude mice. Furthermore, the HCOL1A1 gene induced apoptosis in glioma cells. Conclusion These results indicate that HCOL1A1 have a suppressive biological function in glioma progression and that the introduction of HCOL1A1 provides the basis of a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of malignant human glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimi Honma
- Section for Studies on Metastasis, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Koken Bioscience Institute, Koken Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teruo Miyata
- Koken Bioscience Institute, Koken Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- Section for Studies on Metastasis, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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Fecci PE, Mitchell DA, Whitesides JF, Xie W, Friedman AH, Archer GE, Herndon JE, Bigner DD, Dranoff G, Sampson JH. Increased regulatory T-cell fraction amidst a diminished CD4 compartment explains cellular immune defects in patients with malignant glioma. Cancer Res 2006; 66:3294-302. [PMID: 16540683 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-3773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 439] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunosuppression is frequently associated with malignancy and is particularly severe in patients with malignant glioma. Anergy and counterproductive shifts toward T(H)2 cytokine production are long-recognized T-cell defects in these patients whose etiology has remained elusive for >30 years. We show here that absolute counts of both CD4(+) T cells and CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+)CD45RO(+) T cells (T(regs)) are greatly diminished in patients with malignant glioma, but T(regs) frequently represent an increased fraction of the remaining CD4 compartment. This increased T(reg) fraction, despite reduced counts, correlates with and is sufficient to elicit the characteristic manifestations of impaired patient T-cell responsiveness in vitro. Furthermore, T(reg) removal eradicates T-cell proliferative defects and reverses T(H)2 cytokine shifts, allowing T cells from patients with malignant glioma to function in vitro at levels equivalent to those of normal, healthy controls. Such restored immune function may give license to physiologic antiglioma activity, as in vivo, T(reg) depletion proves permissive for spontaneous tumor rejection in a murine model of established intracranial glioma. These findings dramatically alter our understanding of depressed cellular immune function in patients with malignant glioma and advance a role for T(regs) in facilitating tumor immune evasion in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Fecci
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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8
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Zagzag D, Salnikow K, Chiriboga L, Yee H, Lan L, Ali MA, Garcia R, Demaria S, Newcomb EW. Downregulation of major histocompatibility complex antigens in invading glioma cells: stealth invasion of the brain. J Transl Med 2005; 85:328-41. [PMID: 15716863 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.3700233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasion into surrounding brain tissue is a fundamental feature of gliomas and the major reason for treatment failure. The process of brain invasion in gliomas is not well understood. Differences in gene expression and/or gene products between invading and noninvading glioma cells may identify potential targets for new therapies. To look for genes associated with glioma invasion, we first employed Affymetrix microarray Genechip technology to identify genes differentially expressed in migrating glioma cells in vitro and in invading glioma cells in vivo using laser capture microdissection. We observed upregulation of a variety of genes, previously reported to be linked to glioma cell migration and invasion. Remarkably, major histocompatiblity complex (MHC) class I and II genes were significantly downregulated in migrating cells in vitro and in invading cells in vivo. Decreased MHC expression was confirmed in migrating glioma cells in vitro using RT-PCR and in invading glioma cells in vivo by immunohistochemical staining of human and murine glioblastomas for beta2 microglobulin, a marker of MHC class I protein expression. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to describe the downregulation of MHC class I and II antigens in migrating and invading glioma cells, in vitro and in vivo, respectively. These results suggest that the very process of tumor invasion is associated with decreased expression of MHC antigens allowing glioma cells to invade the surrounding brain in a 'stealth'-like manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zagzag
- Microvascular and Molecular Neuro-oncology Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Pinilla-Arias D, Mateo-Sierra O, Gutiérrez F, Fernández-Carballal C, Carrillo R. Inmunoterapia en astrocitomas de alto grado: principios y estado actual. Neurocirugia (Astur) 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s1130-1473(05)70401-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Curtin JF, King GD, Candolfi M, Greeno RB, Kroeger KM, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Combining cytotoxic and immune-mediated gene therapy to treat brain tumors. Curr Top Med Chem 2005; 5:1151-70. [PMID: 16248789 PMCID: PMC1629031 DOI: 10.2174/156802605774370856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a type of intracranial brain tumor, for which there is no cure. In spite of advances in surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, patients die within a year of diagnosis. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop novel therapeutic approaches for this disease. Gene therapy, which is the use of genes or other nucleic acids as drugs, is a powerful new treatment strategy which can be developed to treat GBM. Several treatment modalities are amenable for gene therapy implementation, e.g. conditional cytotoxic approaches, targeted delivery of toxins into the tumor mass, immune stimulatory strategies, and these will all be the focus of this review. Both conditional cytotoxicity and targeted toxin mediated tumor death, are aimed at eliminating an established tumor mass and preventing further growth. Tumors employ several defensive strategies that suppress and inhibit anti-tumor immune responses. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in eliciting anti-tumor immune responses has identified promising targets for immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is designed to aid the immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells in order to eliminate the tumor burden. Also, immune-therapeutic strategies have the added advantage that an activated immune system has the capability of recognizing tumor cells at distant sites from the primary tumor, therefore targeting metastasis distant from the primary tumor locale. Pre-clinical models and clinical trials have demonstrated that in spite of their location within the central nervous system (CNS), a tissue described as 'immune privileged', brain tumors can be effectively targeted by the activated immune system following various immunotherapeutic strategies. This review will highlight recent advances in brain tumor immunotherapy, with particular emphasis on advances made using gene therapy strategies, as well as reviewing other novel therapies that can be used in combination with immunotherapy. Another important aspect of implementing gene therapy in the clinical arena is to be able to image the targeting of the therapeutics to the tumors, treatment effectiveness and progression of disease. We have therefore reviewed the most exciting non-invasive, in vivo imaging techniques which can be used in combination with gene therapy to monitor therapeutic efficacy over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Curtin
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Research Pavilion, Suite 5090, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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11
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Biglari A, Bataille D, Naumann U, Weller M, Zirger J, Castro MG, Lowenstein PR. Effects of ectopic decorin in modulating intracranial glioma progression in vivo, in a rat syngeneic model. Cancer Gene Ther 2004; 11:721-32. [PMID: 15475879 PMCID: PMC2902255 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2004] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Given the failure of conventional treatments for glioblastoma, gene therapy has gained interest considerable in recent years. Gliomas are associated with a state of immunosuppression, which appears to be partially mediated by an increase in secretion of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) from glioma cells. Decorin, a small proteoglycan which can bind to and inactivate TGF-beta, has been successfully used as an antitumor strategy on stably transfected tumor cells and has been shown to cause growth suppression in neoplastic cells of various histological origins. In this paper, we investigated the use of gene therapy to deliver the decorin transgene in a site-specific manner in an experimental model of intracranial gliomas. Our aim was to inhibit the glioma-associated immunosuppressive state, and prolong the survival of tumor-bearing rats. We studied the effects of decorin gene transfer in the rat CNS-1 glioma model. To assess the effect of ectopic expression of decorin on glioma progression in vivo, stably transfected CNS-1 cells expressing decorin were implanted into the brain parenchyma of syngeneic Lewis rats. The rats implanted with CNS-1 cells expressing decorin survived significantly longer than those in the control groups which received CNS-1 cells that did not express decorin (P < .0001). We then investigated whether the survival observed with decorin expressing cells could be mimicked in vivo, using recombinant adenoviruses (RAds) expressing the decorin gene under the control of two different promoters: the human immediate-early cytomegalovirus (h-IE-CMV) and the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In vivo results showed that administration of RAd expressing the human decorin under the control of h-IE-CMV promoter has a small, but significant effect in prolonging the survival of experimental tumor bearing rats (P < .0001). Our data indicate that ectopic decorin expression has the potential to slow glioma progression in vivo. Our results also indicate that expression of decorin has to be present in all cells which constitute the intracranial tumor mass for the inhibition of tumor growth and prolongation of the life expectancy of tumor-bearing rats to be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Biglari
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Research Pavilion, Suite 5090, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy Unit, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Dominique Bataille
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Research Pavilion, Suite 5090, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy Unit, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Ulrike Naumann
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Jeffrey Zirger
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Research Pavilion, Suite 5090, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
| | - Maria G Castro
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Research Pavilion, Suite 5090, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy Unit, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
- Department of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), USA
| | - Pedro R Lowenstein
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Research Pavilion, Suite 5090, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy Unit, School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
- Department of Medicine, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), USA
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12
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Walker PR, Calzascia T, de Tribolet N, Dietrich PY. T-cell immune responses in the brain and their relevance for cerebral malignancies. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2003; 42:97-122. [PMID: 12738053 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(03)00141-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In order that cellular immune responses afford protection without risk to sensitive normal tissue, they must be adapted to individual tissues of the body. Nowhere is this more critical than for the brain, where various passive and active mechanisms maintain a state of immune privilege that can limit high magnitude immune responses. Nevertheless, it is now clear that immune responses are induced to antigens in the brain, including those expressed by cerebral malignancies. We discuss hypotheses of how this can occur, although details such as which antigen presenting cells are involved remain to be clarified. Antitumor responses induced spontaneously are insufficient to eradicate malignant astrocytomas; many studies suggest that this can be explained by a combination of low level immune response induction and tumor mediated immunosuppression. A clinical objective currently pursued is to use immunotherapy to ameliorate antitumour immunity. This will necessitate a high level immune response to ensure sufficient effector cells reach the tumor bed, focused cytotoxicity to eradicate malignant cells with little collateral damage to critical normal cells, and minimal inflammation. To achieve these aims, priority should be given to identifying more target antigens in astrocytoma and defining those cells present in the brain parenchyma that are essential to maintain antitumour effector function without exacerbating inflammation. If we are armed with better understanding of immune interactions with brain tumor cells, we can realistically envisage that immunotherapy will one day offer hope to patients with currently untreatable neoplastic diseases of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Walker
- Laboratory of Tumour Immunology, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospital, 24 rue Micheli-du-Crest, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
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13
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Walker PR, Calzascia T, Dietrich PY. All in the head: obstacles for immune rejection of brain tumours. Immunology 2002; 107:28-38. [PMID: 12225360 PMCID: PMC1782770 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2567.2002.01507.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Walker
- Laboratory of Tumour Immunology, Division of Oncology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
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14
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Johansson AC, Hegardt P, Janelidze S, Visse E, Widegren B, Siesjö P. Enhanced expression of iNOS intratumorally and at the immunization site after immunization with IFNgamma-secreting rat glioma cells. J Neuroimmunol 2002; 123:135-43. [PMID: 11880158 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-5728(01)00468-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) can modulate both tumor growth and antitumor immune responses. In order to elucidate the mechanism of curative therapeutic immunization with IFNgamma-producing glioma cells, we examined the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in tissue sections from immunized animals. There was a significantly enhanced iNOS expression both intratumorally and at the immunization site. Although the mechanisms behind this dual expression of iNOS most probably are different, our results suggest a role for NO in both the induction and execution of the antitumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Johansson
- Section for Tumor Immunology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Lund, BMC I12, 221 84, Lund, Sweden.
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15
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Anderson RC, Elder JB, Brown MD, Mandigo CE, Parsa AT, Kim PD, Senatus P, Anderson DE, Bruce JN. Changes in the immunologic phenotype of human malignant glioma cells after passaging in vitro. Clin Immunol 2002; 102:84-95. [PMID: 11781071 DOI: 10.1006/clim.2001.5152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Although immunotherapeutic strategies against glioblastomas have been promising both in vitro and in animal models, similar successes have not been realized in human clinical trials. One reason may be that immunotherapeutic strategies are based on prior studies that primarily have used human glioblastoma cell lines passaged in vitro, which may not accurately reflect the in vivo properties of glioblastoma cells. In this report, we used flow cytometry to quantify the expression of immunological cell surface molecules on human glioblastomas directly ex vivo (prior to any in vitro culturing) and after varying passages in vitro. Furthermore, we used ELISA to quantitate cytokine secretion after various passages in vitro. We demonstrate that in vitro culturing of established cell lines led to increases in the cell surface expression of MHC class I and ICAM-1 and secretion of IL-6 and TGF-beta(2). Furthermore, there were significant changes in the expression of MHC class I, MHC class II, B7-2, ICAM-1, and FasL when comparing ex vivo tumor cells to those after a single passage in vitro. After passaging once in vitro, there were also significant changes in the secretion of TGF-beta(2) and IL-10. This report indicates that in vitro culturing leads to significant changes in both cell surface molecules and secreted cytokines, which are known to affect the ability of immune cells to initiate an anti-tumor immune response. These changes in the immunological phenotype of glioblastomas after in vitro culturing may in part explain the limited success of immunotherapeutic strategies against glioblastomas in human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Anderson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
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16
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Abstract
Variations in certain mesenchymal tissue healing processes are not widely recognized. The current review summarizes key differences in healing mechanisms and healing potential after injury to soft tissues having different healing outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H Akeson
- Department of Orthopaedics, UC San Diego and VA Medical Center, CA 92161, USA
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Walker
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Division of Oncology, University Hospital, Rue Micheli-du-Crest 24, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
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18
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Fischer JW, Kinsella MG, Levkau B, Clowes AW, Wight TN. Retroviral overexpression of decorin differentially affects the response of arterial smooth muscle cells to growth factors. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001; 21:777-84. [PMID: 11348874 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.21.5.777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Decorin is a member of the family of small leucine-rich proteoglycans that are present in blood vessels and synthesized by arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). This proteoglycan accumulates in topographically defined regions of atherosclerotic lesions and may play a role in the development of this disease. However, little is known about whether decorin has specific effects on the cellular events that contribute to atherosclerotic lesion formation. In the present study, rat ASMCs were transduced with a retroviral vector (LDSN) that carries the bovine decorin gene. Compared with vector control cells (LXSN), these cells constitutively overexpress decorin, as verified by Northern and Western analysis and by metabolic labeling. Experiments were performed to examine the responsiveness of decorin-overexpressing rat ASMCs to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), 2 growth factors that affect cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production in atherosclerosis. Decorin-overexpressing cells had decreased [(3)H]thymidine incorporation into DNA and increased the levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27 in the first 24 hours of response to serum and PDGF-BB. However, these effects of decorin were not apparent at 48 or 72 hours after plating and did not result in reduced growth of decorin-overexpressing cells in response to serum and PDGF-BB. In contrast, the growth response of decorin-overexpressing ASMCs to TGF-beta1, as well as the expression of TGF-beta1-responsive genes, such as plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and versican (an extracellular matrix proteoglycan), was diminished. These results indicate that decorin selectively inhibits the responsiveness of rat ASMCs to TGF-beta1 and suggests that the induction of constitutive decorin overexpression by ASMCs in vivo may have therapeutic value in the inhibition of TGF-beta1-mediated effects on the development of atherosclerotic lesions.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Arteries/cytology
- Arteries/drug effects
- Arteries/metabolism
- Cell Cycle Proteins
- Cell Division/drug effects
- Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans/biosynthesis
- Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans/genetics
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27
- Cyclins/metabolism
- DNA/biosynthesis
- Decorin
- Extracellular Matrix Proteins
- Lectins, C-Type
- Microtubule-Associated Proteins/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1/biosynthesis
- Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1/genetics
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/pharmacology
- Proteoglycans/biosynthesis
- Proteoglycans/genetics
- Proteoglycans/physiology
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred F344
- Retroviridae/genetics
- Transduction, Genetic
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/pharmacology
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins
- Versicans
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Fischer
- Department of Pharmacology, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
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19
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Platten M, Wild-Bode C, Wick W, Leitlein J, Dichgans J, Weller M. N-[3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]-anthranilic acid (tranilast) inhibits transforming growth factor-beta relesase and reduces migration and invasiveness of human malignant glioma cells. Int J Cancer 2001; 93:53-61. [PMID: 11391621 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.1289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Extensive infiltration of normal brain tissue and suppression of anti-tumor immune surveillance mediated by molecules such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) are key biological features that contribute to the malignant phenotype of human gliomas. Tranilast (N-[3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl]-anthranilic acid) is an anti-allergic compound used clinically to control atopic and fibrotic disorders. These effects are attributed to the suppression of TGF-beta1 synthesis and interference with growth factor-mediated proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells. Here, we show that tranilast inhibits DNA synthesis and proliferation of human malignant glioma cells and promotes p21 accumulation in the absence of cytotoxicity. Further, tranilast reduces the release of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 by glioma cells and inhibits migration, chemotactic responses and invasiveness. These effects are not associated with a reduction of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression at the cell surface but appear to involve inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and activity. Neither the tranilast-mediated inhibition of proliferation nor the inhibition of migration was counteracted by supplementation with exogenous TGF-beta. Finally, tranilast administered orally inhibited the growth of experimental 9L rat gliomas and reduced expression of TGF-beta2 in vivo. We conclude that tranilast might be a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of human malignant glioma because of a TGF-beta-independent abrogation of the malignant phenotype of proliferation, migration and invasiveness and because of the antagonism of TGF-beta-associated immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Platten
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, School of Medicine, Tübingen, Germany
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20
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Leitlein J, Aulwurm S, Waltereit R, Naumann U, Wagenknecht B, Garten W, Weller M, Platten M. Processing of immunosuppressive pro-TGF-beta 1,2 by human glioblastoma cells involves cytoplasmic and secreted furin-like proteases. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2001; 166:7238-43. [PMID: 11390472 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.166.12.7238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
TGF-beta is a putative mediator of immunosuppression associated with malignant glioma and other types of cancer. Subtilisin-like proprotein convertases such as furin are thought to mediate TGF-beta processing. Here we report that human malignant glioma cell lines express furin mRNA and protein, exhibit furin-like protease (FLP) activity, and release active furin into the cell culture supernatant. FLP activity is not modulated by exogenous TGF-beta or neutralizing TGF-beta Abs. Exposure of LN-18 and T98G glioma cell lines to the furin inhibitor, decanoyl-Arg-Val-Lys-Arg-chloromethylketone, inhibits processing of the TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 precursor molecules and, consequently, the release of mature bioactive TGF-beta molecules. Ectopic expression of PDX, a synthetic antitrypsin analog with antifurin activity, in the glioma cells inhibits FLP activity, TGF-beta processing, and TGF-beta release. Thus, subtilisin-like proprotein convertases may represent a novel target for the immunotherapy of malignant glioma and other cancers or pathological conditions characterized by enhanced TGF-beta bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Leitlein
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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21
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Morford LA, Dix AR, Brooks WH, Roszman TL. Apoptotic elimination of peripheral T lymphocytes in patients with primary intracranial tumors. J Neurosurg 1999; 91:935-46. [PMID: 10584838 DOI: 10.3171/jns.1999.91.6.0935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Patients with gliomas exhibit severe T lymphopenia during the course of the disease. This study was conducted to determine the mechanism(s) responsible for the lymphopenia. METHODS Using two-color fluorescent staining techniques, the authors show that significant numbers of T cells undergo apoptosis in the peripheral blood of patients with gliomas. To determine whether a glioma-derived factor(s) induces this apoptosis, rosette-purified T cells obtained from healthy donors were treated with glioma cell culture supernatant (GCCS) and examined for apoptosis. It is demonstrated that treatment of normal T cells with GCCS induced apoptosis only with concurrent stimulation of the T-cell receptor/CD3 complex. The addition of neutralizing antibodies to interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, transforming growth factor alpha, or tumor necrosis factor-beta (lymphotoxin) did not rescue these T cells from apoptosis. Experiments were also conducted in which the degree of monocyte involvement in the induction of T-cell apoptosis was explored. The U937 cells were pretreated for 20 hours with a 1:20 dilution of GCCS. After the removal of GCCS, the U937 cells were cultured in transwell assays with stimulated T cells. Although control U937 cells did not induce apoptosis of the activated T cells, GCCS-pretreated U937 cells induced appreciable apoptosis in normal, stimulated T-cell cultures. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that one mechanism by which gliomas cause immunosuppressive effects is the induction of monocytes to release soluble factors that promote activated T-cell apoptosis. The loss of activated T cells leads to T lymphopenia and contributes to the deficiencies in cell-mediated immunity that have been observed during testing of glioma patients' immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Morford
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536-0084, USA
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22
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Dix AR, Brooks WH, Roszman TL, Morford LA. Immune defects observed in patients with primary malignant brain tumors. J Neuroimmunol 1999; 100:216-32. [PMID: 10695732 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-5728(99)00203-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Malignant glioblastomas (gliomas) account for approximately one third of all diagnosed brain tumors. Yet, a decade of research has made little progress in advancing the treatment of these tumors. In part this lack of progress is linked to the challenge of discovering how glial tumors are capable of both modulating host immune function and neutralizing immune-based therapies. Patients with gliomas exhibit a broad suppression of cell-mediated immunity. The impaired cell-mediated immunity observed in patients with gliomas appears to result from immunosuppressive factor(s) secreted by the tumor. This article reviews what has been elucidated about the immune defects of patients harboring glioma and the glioma-derived factors which mediate this immunosuppression. A model involving systemic cytokine dysregulation is presented to suggest how the immune defects arise in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Dix
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536-0084, USA
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23
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Engel S, Isenmann S, Ständer M, Rieger J, Bähr M, Weller M. Inhibition of experimental rat glioma growth by decorin gene transfer is associated with decreased microglial infiltration. J Neuroimmunol 1999; 99:13-8. [PMID: 10496172 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-5728(99)00062-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Decorin gene therapy for experimental malignant glioma is thought to involve antagonism of immunosuppression induced by glioma-derived transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). TGF-beta is chemotactic for cells of the monocyte macrophage lineage but inhibits their functional activity in many in vitro paradigms. Here, we examined changes in the patterns of microglial infiltration of rat C6 gliomas expressing a decorin transgene. We find that the number of OX42/ED-1-positive microglial cells is reduced rather than enhanced in the presence of decorin. Decorin-expressing gliomas contain lower numbers of MHC class II antigen-expressing microglial cells whereas the relative frequency of MHC I immunoreactivity among microglial cells is increased. Interestingly, the reduction of TGF-beta levels in the tumors by decorin is associated with the de novo expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in a minority of microglial cells. These data suggest that microglial cells do not participate in the regression of decorin-expressing rat C6 gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Engel
- Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Germany
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