Targeting Immune Modulators in Glioma While Avoiding Autoimmune Conditions

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.

Differentially Expressed Genes in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma as a Potential Marker for Prognostic and Immune Signatures

“…Immune checkpoint molecules are ligand–receptor pairs that exert inhibitory or stimulatory effects on immune responses ( 17 ). Most of them have been deemed to express on cells of the adaptive immune system, particularly on T cells, and also innate immune system ( 18 ).…”

Targeting glioblastoma through nano- and micro-particle-mediated immune modulation

“…A variety of immune regulatory pathways are overexpressed in GBM, and have been reviewed in various publications. [82][83][84][85] These pathways provide interesting therapeutic targets for potentially driving tumour clearance. Here we discuss some of the pathways targeted through the use of particle delivery systems.…”