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Rejection of RG-2 gliomas is mediated by microglia and T lymphocytes

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Summary

Immunotherapy holds great promise for the treatment of invasive brain tumors, and we are interested specifically in evaluating immune stimulation of microglial cells as one potential strategy. In order to better understand the tumor fighting capabilities of microglial cells, we have compared the responses of syngeneic (Fisher 344) and allogeneic (Wistar) rat strains after intracranial implantation of RG-2 gliomas. Animals were evaluated by clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immunohistochemistry for microglial and other immune cell antigens. While lethal RG-2 gliomas developed in all of the Fisher 344 rats, tumors grew variably in the Wistar strain, sometimes reaching considerable sizes, but eventually all of them regressed. Tumor regression was associated with greater numbers of T cells and CD8 positive cells and increases in MHC I and CD4 positive microglia. Our findings suggest that the combined mobilization of peripheral and CNS endogenous immune cells is required for eradicating large intracranial tumors.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the James S. McDonnell Foundation. The authors acknowledge Xeve Silver and AMRIS for assistance with MR imaging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100244, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Christopher L. Mariani & Wolfgang J. Streit

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100265, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA

    Joshua G. Kouri

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  1. Christopher L. Mariani
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  2. Joshua G. Kouri
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Correspondence to Christopher L. Mariani.

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Mariani, C.L., Kouri, J.G. & Streit, W.J. Rejection of RG-2 gliomas is mediated by microglia and T lymphocytes. J Neurooncol 79, 243–253 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-006-9137-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-006-9137-x

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