Immunological Responses in High-Grade Gliomas
Summary
High-grade gliomas, particularly glioblastoma, represent some of the most aggressive primary brain tumours, characterised by profound immunosuppression and rapid progression. The central nervous system milieu limits immune surveillance through the blood–brain barrier and by fostering a specialised tumour microenvironment dominated by resident microglia and infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages. These cells often adopt a pro-tumour phenotype, secreting immunosuppressive cytokines and expressing checkpoint ligands that hinder cytotoxic T-cell activity. Concurrently, regulatory T-cells accumulate and natural killer cell function is curtailed, reinforcing local immune tolerance. Despite this, tumour cell death can release neoantigens and danger signals, offering opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Novel approaches aim to modulate antigen presentation, reverse myeloid cell dysfunction and reinvigorate effector lymphocytes through combinations of immune checkpoint blockade, cell-based therapies and microenvironmental remodelling. A deeper understanding of these complex cellular interactions is essential to overcome resistance mechanisms and translate immunological insights into durable clinical benefit.
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Immunological Responses in High-Grade Gliomas publication trend
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Technical terms
Tumour microenvironment (TME): The cellular and molecular milieu surrounding tumour cells that influences immune responses.
Microglia: Resident immune cells of the central nervous system that can support or inhibit tumour growth.
Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs): Infiltrating myeloid cells that often adopt immunosuppressive functions within the TME.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI): A therapeutic antibody that blocks inhibitory receptors to restore T-cell activity.
Neoadjuvant therapy: Treatment administered before primary interventions to enhance immunogenicity and tumour debulking.
Adoptive cell therapy: Infusion of ex vivo-modified immune cells designed to target tumour antigens.
References
- Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibition in the management of glioblastoma: Exploring a new frontier. Frontiers in Immunology (2023).
- Immunotherapy against glioblastoma using backpack‐activated neutrophils. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine (2024).
- Effect of radiochemotherapy on peripheral immune response in glioblastoma. Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy (2024).
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