Abstract
Despite the important evolution of immunotherapeutic agents, brain tumors remain, in general, refractory to immune therapeutics. Recent discoveries have revealed that the glioma microenvironment includes a wide variety of immune cells in various states that play an important role in the process of tumorigenesis. Anti-tumor immune activity may be occurring or induced in immunogenic hot spots or at the invasive edge of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Understanding the complex heterogeneity of the immune microenvironment in gliomas will likely be the key to unlocking the full potential of immunotherapeutic strategies. An essential consideration will be the induction of immunological effector responses in the setting of the numerous aspects of immunosuppression and evasion. As such, immune therapeutic combinations are a fundamental objective for clinical studies in gliomas. Through immune profiling conducted on immune competent murine models of glioma and ex vivo human glioma tissue, we will discuss how the frequency, distribution of immune cells within the microenvironment, and immune modulatory processes, may be therapeutically modulated to lead to clinical benefits.
Highlights
Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors and are classified by the WorldHealth Organization (WHO) as grade I–IV tumors based on molecular and genomic features, allowing a more accurate classification of patients
There is a lack in the understanding of glioma microenvironment that needs to be further elaborated in order to explain the hindering effects in the use of the available immunotherapies in the treatment of glioblastoma
This can explain the pool of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in brain metastasis and the effective immune response created against the tumor following successful immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy
Summary
Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors and are classified by the World. Health Organization (WHO) as grade I–IV tumors based on molecular and genomic features, allowing a more accurate classification of patients. Despite the beneficial effects of immunotherapies in multiple types of cancers including brain metastases from several solid tumors [6,7], the vast majority of glioma patients do not benefit. Recent studies have shown that the immune composition and states are unique and specific to cancer lineage [8,9]. There are differences in immune suppressive pathways and immune targets between lineages [10], and between individual patients harboring the same types of cancers [11]. That have been recently reviewed [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
