Targeting Immune Modulators in Glioma While Avoiding Autoimmune Conditions

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Communication signals and signaling pathways are often studied in different physiological systems. However, it has become abundantly clear that the immune system is not self-regulated, but functions in close association with the nervous system. The neural–immune interface is complex; its balance determines cancer progression, as well as autoimmune disorders. Immunotherapy remains a promising approach in the context of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The primary obstacle to finding effective therapies is the potent immunosuppression induced by GBM. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, induction of regulatory T cells, and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules are the key mediators for immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoint molecules are ligand–receptor pairs that exert inhibitory or stimulatory effects on immune responses. In the past decade, they have been extensively studied in preclinical and clinical trials in diseases such as cancer or autoimmune diseases in which the immune system has failed to maintain homeostasis. In this review, we will discuss promising immune-modulatory targets that are in the focus of current clinical research in glioblastoma, but are also in the precarious position of potentially becoming starting points for the development of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number3524
JournalCancers
Volume13
Issue number14
Publication statusPublished - 14 Jul 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85109860986
ORCID /0000-0003-3406-4849/work/147143253

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals