GARP as an Immune Regulatory Molecule in the Tumor Microenvironment of Glioblastoma Multiforme.

Glycoprotein A repetition predominant (GARP), a specific surface molecule of activated regulatory T cells, has been demonstrated to significantly contribute to tolerance in humans by induction of peripheral Treg and regulatory M2-macrophages and by inhibition of (tumorantigen-specific) T effector cells. Previous work identified GARP on Treg, and also GARP on the surface of several malignant tumors, as well as in a soluble form being shedded from their surface, contributing to tumor immune escape. Preliminary results also showed GARP expression on brain metastases of malignant melanoma. On the basis of these findings, we investigated whether GARP is also expressed on primary brain tumors. We showed GARP expression on glioblastoma (GB) cell lines and primary GB tissue, as well as on low-grade glioma, suggesting an important influence on the tumor micromilieu and the regulation of immune responses also in primary cerebral tumors. This was supported by the finding that GB cells led to a reduced, in part GARP-dependent effector T cell function (reduced proliferation and reduced cytokine secretion) in coculture experiments. Interestingly, GARP was localized not only on the cell surface but also in the cytoplasmatic, as well as nuclear compartments in tumor cells. Our findings reveal that GARP, as an immunoregulatory molecule, is located on, as well as in, tumor cells of GB and low-grade glioma, inhibiting effector T cell function, and thus contributing to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of primary brain tumors. As GARP is expressed on activated Treg, as well as on brain tumors, it may be an interesting target for new immunotherapeutic approaches using antibody-based strategies as this indication.

Systemic PaO2 Oscillations Cause Mild Brain Injury in a Pig Model.

OBJECTIVE: Systemic PaO2 oscillations occur during cyclic recruitment and derecruitment of atelectasis in acute respiratory failure and might harm brain tissue integrity. DESIGN: Controlled animal study. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Adult anesthetized pigs. INTERVENTIONS: Pigs were randomized to a control group (anesthesia and extracorporeal circulation for 20 hr with constant PaO2, n = 10) or an oscillation group (anesthesia and extracorporeal circulation for 20 hr with artificial PaO2 oscillations [3 cycles min⁻¹], n = 10). Five additional animals served as native group (n = 5). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Outcome following exposure to artificial PaO2 oscillations compared with constant PaO2 levels was measured using 1) immunohistochemistry, 2) real-time polymerase chain reaction for inflammatory markers, 3) receptor autoradiography, and 4) transcriptome analysis in the hippocampus. Our study shows that PaO2 oscillations are transmitted to brain tissue as detected by novel ultrarapid oxygen sensing technology. PaO2 oscillations cause significant decrease in NISSL-stained neurons (p < 0.05) and induce inflammation (p < 0.05) in the hippocampus and a shift of the balance of hippocampal neurotransmitter receptor densities toward inhibition (p < 0.05). A pathway analysis suggests that cerebral immune and acute-phase response may play a role in mediating PaO2 oscillation-induced brain injury. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial PaO2 oscillations cause mild brain injury mediated by inflammatory pathways. Although artificial PaO2 oscillations and endogenous PaO2 oscillations in lung-diseased patients have different origins, it is likely that they share the same noxious effect on the brain. Therefore, PaO2 oscillations might represent a newly detected pathway potentially contributing to the crosstalk between acute lung and remote brain injury.

Versican isoform V1 regulates proliferation and migration in high-grade gliomas.

Versican is a large chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan produced by several tumor cell types, including high-grade gliomas. Increased expression of distinct versican isoforms in the extracellular matrix plays a role in tumor cell growth, adhesion and migration. We have recently shown that transforming growth factor (TGF-beta)2, an important modulator of glioma invasion, interacts with versican isoforms V0/V1 during malignant progression of glioma in vitro. However, the distinct subtype of versican that modulates these effects could not be specified. Here, we show that transient down-regulation of V1 by siRNA leads to a significant reduction of proliferation and migration in glioblastoma cell lines and glioblastoma progenitor cells, whereas tumor cell attachment stays unaffected. We conclude that V1 plays a predominant role in modulating central pathophysiological mechanisms as proliferation and migration in glioblastoma. Considering that TGF-beta is a master regulator of glioma pathophysiology, and that V0/1 is induced by TGF-beta2, therapeutic regulation of V1 may induce meaningful effects on glioma cell migration not only in vitro, but also in vivo.

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in pig after cardiac arrest - A new histopathological scoring system for non-specialists.

Introduction: After cardiac arrest and successful resuscitation patients often present with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, which is a major cause of death due to poor neurological outcome. The development of a robust histopathological scoring system for the reliable and easy identification and quantification of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury could lead to a standardization in the evaluation of brain damage. We wanted to establish an easy-to-use neuropathological scoring system to identify and quantify hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Methods: The criteria for regular neurons, hypoxic-ischemic brain injury neurons and neurons with ischemic neuronal change (ischemic change neurons) were established in collaboration with specialized neuropathologists. Nine non-specialist examiners performed cell counting using the mentioned criteria in brain tissue samples from a porcine cardiac arrest model. The statistical analyses were performed using the interclass correlation coefficient for counting data and reliability testing. Results: The inter-rater reliability for regular neurons (ICC 0.68 (0.42 - 0.84; p < 0.001) and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury neurons (ICC 0.87 (0.81 - 0.92; p < 0.001) showed moderate to excellent correlation while ischemic change neurons showed poor reliability. Excellent results were seen for intra-rater reliability for regular neurons (ICC 0.9 (0.68 - 0.97; p < 0.001) and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury neurons (ICC 0.99 (0.83 - 1; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The scoring system provides a reliable method for the discrimination between regular neurons and neurons affected by hypoxic/ischemic injury. This scoring system allows an easy and reliable identification and quantification of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury for non-specialists and offers a standardization to evaluate hypoxic-ischemic brain injury after cardiac arrest.

Diclofenac inhibits lactate formation and efficiently counteracts local immune suppression in a murine glioma model.

Lactate formation in highly proliferative tumors such as malignant gliomas is associated with poor survival and contributes to the suppression of local immunity. Here, we report that diclofenac used at nontoxic concentrations significantly decreased lactate production in murine glioma cells and inhibited the expression of lactate dehydrogenase-A in vitro. Lactate reduction was accompanied by a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth and a cell cycle arrest at the G2/M checkpoint. In the presence of diclofenac, murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) showed enhanced IL-12, but decreased IL-10 secretion on Toll-like receptor stimulation with R848 that correlated with reduced lactate levels in the glioma cell coculture and a blockade of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 phosphorylation. In vivo, diclofenac treatment diminished intratumoral lactate levels and resulted in a significant delay of glioma growth. Ex vivo analyses revealed that tumor-infiltrating DCs regained their capacity to produce IL-12 on R848 stimulation. Moreover, diclofenac reduced the number of tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells and impaired the upregulation of the Treg activation marker CD25. Nevertheless, a single intratumoral injection of R848 combined with diclofenac failed to induce an additional survival advantage in glioma-bearing mice. Further analyses illustrated that the presence of diclofenac during T-cell activation compromised INF-γ production and T-cell proliferation, indicating that immunotherapeutic approaches have to be carefully timed when combined with diclofenac. In summary, diclofenac appears as an attractive agent for targeting lactate production and counteracting local immune suppression in malignant gliomas.

Striatal increase of dopamine receptor 2 density in idiopathic and syndromic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a wide range of neurodevelopmental phenotypes united by impaired social interaction and repetitive behavior. Environmental and genetic factors are associated with the pathogenesis of ASD, while other cases are classified as idiopathic. The dopaminergic system has a profound impact in the modulation of motor and reward-motivated behaviors, and defects in dopaminergic circuits are implicated in ASD. In our study, we compare three well-established mouse models of ASD, one idiopathic, the BTBR strain, and two syndromic, Fmr1 and Shank3 mutants. In these models, and in humans with ASD, alterations in dopaminergic metabolism and neurotransmission were highlighted. Still, accurate knowledge about the distribution of dopamine receptor densities in the basal ganglia is lacking. Using receptor autoradiography, we describe the neuroanatomical distribution of D1 and D2 receptors in dorsal and ventral striatum at late infancy and adulthood in the above-mentioned models. We show that D1 receptor binding density is different among the models irrespective of the region. A significant convergence in increased D2 receptor binding density in the ventral striatum at adulthood becomes apparent in BTBR and Shank3 lines, and a similar trend was observed in the Fmr1 line. Altogether, our results confirm the involvement of the dopaminergic system, showing defined alterations in dopamine receptor binding density in three well-established ASD lines, which may provide a plausible explanation to some of the prevalent traits of ASD. Moreover, our study provides a neuroanatomical framework to explain the utilization of D2-acting drugs such as Risperidone and Aripiprazole in ASD.

Neuroanatomical changes of ionotropic glutamatergic and GABAergic receptor densities in male mice modeling idiopathic and syndromic autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a wide range of neurodevelopment conditions primarily characterized by impaired social interaction and repetitive behavior, accompanied by a variable degree of neuropsychiatric characteristics. Synaptic dysfunction is undertaken as one of the key underlying mechanisms in understanding the pathophysiology of ASD. The excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) hypothesis is one of the most widely held theories for its pathogenesis. Shifts in E/I balance have been proven in several ASD models. In this study, we investigated three mouse lines recapitulating both idiopathic (the BTBR strain) and genetic (Fmr1 and Shank3 mutants) forms of ASD at late infancy and early adulthood. Using receptor autoradiography for ionotropic excitatory (AMPA and NMDA) and inhibitory (GABAA) receptors, we mapped the receptor binding densities in brain regions known to be associated with ASD such as prefrontal cortex, dorsal and ventral striatum, dorsal hippocampus, and cerebellum. The individual mouse lines investigated show specific alterations in excitatory ionotropic receptor density, which might be accounted as specific hallmark of each individual line. Across all the models investigated, we found an increased binding density to GABAA receptors at adulthood in the dorsal hippocampus. Interestingly, reduction in the GABAA receptor binding density was observed in the cerebellum. Altogether, our findings suggest that E/I disbalance individually affects several brain regions in ASD mouse models and that alterations in GABAergic transmission might be accounted as unifying factor.

Nuclear Glycoprotein A Repetitions Predominant (GARP) Is a Common Trait of Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells and Correlates with Poor Survival in Glioblastoma Patients.

Glioblastoma (GB) is notoriously resistant to therapy. GB genesis and progression are driven by glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs). One goal for improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes is targeting GSCs. Currently, there are no universal markers for GSCs. Glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP), an anti-inflammatory protein expressed by activated regulatory T cells, was identified as a possible marker for GSCs. This study evaluated GARP for the detection of human GSCs utilizing a multidimensional experimental design that replicated several features of GB: (1) intratumoral heterogeneity, (2) cellular hierarchy (GSCs with varied degrees of self-renewal and differentiation), and (3) longitudinal GSC evolution during GB recurrence (GSCs from patient-matched newly diagnosed and recurrent GB). Our results indicate that GARP is expressed by GSCs across various cellular states and disease stages. GSCs with an increased GARP expression had reduced self-renewal but no alterations in proliferative capacity or differentiation commitment. Rather, GARP correlated inversely with the expression of GFAP and PDGFR-α, markers of astrocyte or oligodendrocyte differentiation. GARP had an abnormal nuclear localization (GARPNU+) in GSCs and was negatively associated with patient survival. The uniformity of GARP/GARPNU+ expression across different types of GSCs suggests a potential use of GARP as a marker to identify GSCs.

NECAB2 is an endosomal protein important for striatal function.

Synaptic signaling depends on ATP generated by mitochondria. Dysfunctional mitochondria shift the redox balance towards a more oxidative environment. Due to extensive connectivity, the striatum is especially vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction. We found that neuronal calcium-binding protein 2 (NECAB2) plays a role in striatal function and mitochondrial homeostasis. NECAB2 is a predominantly endosomal striatal protein which partially colocalizes with mitochondria. This colocalization is enhanced by mild oxidative stress. Global knockout of Necab2 in the mouse results in increased superoxide levels, increased DNA oxidation and reduced levels of the antioxidant glutathione which correlates with an altered mitochondrial shape and function. Striatal mitochondria from Necab2 knockout mice are more abundant and smaller and characterized by a reduced spare capacity suggestive of intrinsic uncoupling respectively mitochondrial dysfunction. In line with this, we also found an altered stress-induced interaction of endosomes with mitochondria in Necab2 knockout striatal cultures. The predominance of dysfunctional mitochondria and the pro-oxidative redox milieu correlates with a loss of striatal synapses and behavioral changes characteristic of striatal dysfunction like reduced motivation and altered sensory gating. Together this suggests an involvement of NECAB2 in an endosomal pathway of mitochondrial stress response important for striatal function.

Senescence Is the Main Trait Induced by Temozolomide in Glioblastoma Cells.

First-line drug in the treatment of glioblastoma, the most severe brain cancer, is temozolomide (TMZ), a DNA-methylating agent that induces the critical damage O6-methylguanine (O6MeG). This lesion is cytotoxic through the generation of mismatch repair-mediated DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which trigger apoptotic pathways. Previously, we showed that O6MeG also induces cellular senescence (CSEN). Here, we show that TMZ-induced CSEN is a late response which has similar kinetics to apoptosis, but at a fourfold higher level. CSEN cells show a high amount of DSBs, which are located outside of telomeres, a high level of ROS and oxidized DNA damage (8-oxo-guanine), and sustained activation of the DNA damage response and histone methylation. Despite the presence of DSBs, CSEN cells are capable of repairing radiation-induced DSBs. Glioblastoma cells that acquired resistance to TMZ became simultaneously resistant to TMZ-induced CSEN. Using a Tet-On glioblastoma cell system, we show that upregulation of MGMT immediately after TMZ completely abrogated apoptosis and CSEN, while induction of MGMT long-term (>72 h) after TMZ did not reduce apoptosis and CSEN. Furthermore, upregulation of MGMT in the senescent cell population had no impact on the survival of senescent cells, indicating that O6MeG is required for induction, but not for maintenance of the senescent state. We further show that, in recurrent GBM specimens, a significantly higher level of DSBs and CSEN-associated histone H3K27me3 was observed than in the corresponding primary tumors. Overall, the data indicate that CSEN is a key node induced in GBM following chemotherapy.

ALDH1A3 Segregated Expression and Nucleus-Associated Proteasomal Degradation Are Common Traits of Glioblastoma Stem Cells.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 isoforms A1 and A3 have been implicated as functional biomarkers associated with distinct molecular subtypes of glioblastoma and glioblastoma stem cells. However, the exact roles of these isoforms in different types of glioma cells remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to dissect the association of A1 or A3 isoforms with stem and non-stem glioblastoma cells. This study has undertaken a systematic characterization of A1 and A3 proteins in glioblastoma tissues and a panel of glioblastoma stem cells using immunocytochemical and immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and the subcellular fractionation methodology. Our main findings are (i) human GSCs express uniformly ALDH1A3 but not the ALDH1A1 isoform whereas non-stem glioma cells comparably express both isoforms; (ii) there is an abundance of ALDH1A3 peptides that prevail over the full-length form in glioblastoma stem cells but not in non-stem glioma cells; (iii) full-length ALDH1A3 and ALDH1A3 peptides are spatially segregated within the cell; and (vi) the abundance of full-length ALDH1A3 and ALDH1A3 peptides is sensitive to MG132-mediated proteasomal inhibition. Our study further supports the association of ALDH1A3 with glioblastoma stem cells and provide evidence for the regulation of ALDH1A3 activities at the level of protein turnover.

Quantification of the Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptor Availability in the Mouse Brain.

Introduction: The endocannabinoid system is involved in several diseases such as addictive disorders, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders. As often mice are used as the preferred animal model in translational research, in particular when using genetically modified mice, this study aimed to provide a systematic analysis of in vivo cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor ligand-binding capacity using positron emission tomography (PET) using the ligand [18F]MK-9470. We then compared the PET results with literature data from immunohistochemistry (IHC) to review the consistency between ex vivo protein expression and in vivo ligand binding. Methods: Six male C57BL/6J (6-9 weeks) mice were examined with the CB1 receptor ligand [18F]MK-9470 and small animal PET. Different brain regions were evaluated using the parameter %ID/ml. The PET results of the [18F]MK-9470 accumulation in the mouse brain were compared with immunohistochemical literature data. Results: The ligand [18F]MK-9470 was taken up into the mouse brain within 5 min after injection and exhibited slow kinetics. It accumulated highly in most parts of the brain. PET and IHC classifications were consistent for most parts of the telencephalon, while brain regions of the diencephalon, mesencephalon, and rhombencephalon were rated higher with PET than IHC. Conclusions: This preclinical [18F]MK-9470 study demonstrated the radioligand's applicability for imaging the region-specific CB1 receptor availability in the healthy adult mouse brain and thus offers the potential to study CB1 receptor availability in pathological conditions.

Identification of High-Risk Atypical Meningiomas According to Semantic and Radiomic Features.

Up to 60% of atypical meningiomas (World Health Organization (WHO) grade II) reoccur within 5 years after resection. However, no clear radiological criteria exist to identify tumors with higher risk of relapse. In this study, we aimed to assess the association of certain radiomic and semantic features of atypical meningiomas in MRI with tumor recurrence. We identified patients operated on primary atypical meningiomas in our department from 2007 to 2017. An analysis of 13 quantitatively defined radiomic and 11 qualitatively defined semantic criteria was performed based on preoperative MRI scans. Imaging characteristics were assessed along with clinical and survival data. The analysis included 76 patients (59% women, mean age 59 years). Complete tumor resection was achieved in 65 (86%) cases, and tumor relapse occurred in 17 (22%) cases. Mean follow-up time was 41.6 (range 3-168) months. Cystic component was significantly associated with tumor recurrence (odds ratio (OR) 21.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.8-124.5) and shorter progression-free survival (33.2 vs. 80.7 months, p < 0.001), whereas radiomic characteristics had no predictive value in univariate analysis. However, multivariate analysis demonstrated significant predictive value of high cluster prominence (hazard ratio (HR) 5.89 (1.03-33.73) and cystic component (HR 20.21 (2.46-166.02)) for tumor recurrence. The combination of radiomic and semantic features might be an effective tool for identifying patients with high-risk atypical meningiomas. The presence of a cystic component in these tumors is associated with a high risk of tumor recurrence.

Lactate promotes glioma migration by TGF-beta2-dependent regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2.

Lactate dehydrogenase type A (LDH-A) is a key metabolic enzyme catalyzing pyruvate into lactate and is excessively expressed by tumor cells. Transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-beta2) is a key regulator of invasion in high-grade gliomas, partially by inducing a mesenchymal phenotype and by remodeling the extracellular matrix. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that lactate metabolism regulates TGF-beta2-mediated migration of glioma cells. Small interfering RNA directed against LDH-A (siLDH-A) suppresses, and lactate induces, TGF-beta2 expression, suggesting that lactate metabolism is strongly associated with TGF-beta2 in glioma cells. Here we demonstrate that TGF-beta2 enhances expression, secretion, and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and induces the cell surface expression of integrin alpha(v)beta(3) receptors. In spheroid and Boyden chamber migration assays, inhibition of MMP-2 activity using a specific MMP-2 inhibitor and blocking of integrin alpha(v)beta(3) abrogated glioma cell migration stimulated by TGF-beta2. Furthermore, siLDH-A inhibited MMP2 activity, leading to inhibition of glioma migration. Taken together, we define an LDH-A-induced and TGF-beta2-coordinated regulatory cascade of transcriptional regulation of MMP-2 and integrin alpha(v)beta(3). This novel interaction between lactate metabolism and TGF-beta2 might constitute a crucial mechanism for glioma migration.

Inhibition of heme oxygenase 1 expression by small interfering RNA decreases orthotopic tumor growth in livers of mice.

Endogenous overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) has been shown to occur in various cancer diseases and might contribute to cancer progression. We compared the expression levels of HO-1 in human liver to expression levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the effect of HO-1 inhibition by small interfering RNA (siRNA) on cellular survival and apoptosis in the mouse hepatoma cell lines Hepa129 and Hepa1-6 and on orthotopic tumor growth in immune-competent C3H/HeN mice. Our results show that HO-1 is frequently overexpressed in human HCC. Downmodulation of HO-1 by siRNA resulted in increased cellular damage and apoptosis, reduced proliferation, reduced growth of orthotopic HCC and reduced angiogenesis. Livers and kidneys of treated animals did not reveal signs of damage by this treatment. In conclusion, a specific knockdown of HO-1 might represent a novel therapeutic approach in HCC therapy.

Decreased hippocampal cell proliferation in mice with experimental antiphospholipid syndrome.

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, which may trigger vascular thrombosis with consecutive infarcts. However, cognitive dysfunctions representing one of the most commonest neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequently present despite the absence of any ischemic brain lesions. Data on the structural and functional basis of the neuropsychiatric symptoms are sparse. To examine the effect of APS on hippocampal neurogenesis and on white matter, we induced experimental APS (eAPS) in adult female Balb/C mice by immunization with ß2-glycoprotein 1. To investigate cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus granular cell layer (DG GCL), eAPS and control mice (n = 5, each) were injected with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) once a day for 10 subsequent days. Sixteen weeks after immunization, eAPS resulted in a significant reduction of BrdU-positive cells in the DG GCL compared to control animals. However, double staining with doublecortin and NeuN revealed a largely preserved neurogenesis. Ultrastructural analysis of corpus callosum (CC) axons in eAPS (n = 6) and control mice (n = 7) revealed no significant changes in CC axon diameter or g-ratio. In conclusion, decreased cellular proliferation in the hippocampus of eAPS mice indicates a limited regenerative potential and may represent one neuropathological substrate of cognitive changes in APS while evidence for alterations of white matter integrity is lacking.

Functional Improvement after Photothrombotic Stroke in Rats Is Associated with Different Patterns of Dendritic Plasticity after G-CSF Treatment and G-CSF Treatment Combined with Concomitant or Sequential Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy.

We have previously shown that granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment alone, or in combination with constraint movement therapy (CIMT) either sequentially or concomitantly, results in significantly improved sensorimotor recovery after photothrombotic stroke in rats in comparison to untreated control animals. CIMT alone did not result in any significant differences compared to the control group (Diederich et al., Stroke, 2012;43:185-192). Using a subset of rat brains from this former experiment the present study was designed to evaluate whether dendritic plasticity would parallel improved functional outcomes. Five treatment groups were analyzed (n = 6 each) (i) ischemic control (saline); (ii) CIMT (CIMT between post-stroke days 2 and 11); (iii) G-CSF (10 µg/kg G-CSF daily between post-stroke days 2 and 11); (iv) combined concurrent group (CIMT plus G-CSF) and (v) combined sequential group (CIMT between post-stroke days 2 and 11; 10 µg/kg G-CSF daily between post-stroke days 12 and 21, respectively). After impregnation of rat brains with a modified Golgi-Cox protocol layer V pyramidal neurons in the peri-infarct cortex as well as the corresponding contralateral cortex were analyzed. Surprisingly, animals with a similar degree of behavioral recovery exhibited quite different patterns of dendritic plasticity in both peri-lesional and contralesional areas. The cause for these patterns is not easily to explain but puts the simple assumption that increased dendritic complexity after stroke necessarily results in increased functional outcome into perspective.

A key role of GARP in the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment.

In melanoma patients, one of the main reasons for tumor immune escape and therapy failure is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Herein, suppressive immune cells and inhibitory factors secreted by the tumor itself play a central role.In the present study we show that the Treg activation marker GARP (glycoprotein A repetitions predominant), known to induce peripheral tolerance in a TGF-ß dependent way, is also expressed on human primary melanoma. Interestingly, membrane bound GARP is shed from the surface of both, activated Treg and melanoma cells, and, in its soluble form (sGARP), not only induces peripheral Treg but also a tumor associated (M2) macrophage phenotype. Notably, proliferation of cytotoxic T cells and their effector function is inhibited in the presence of sGARP. GARP expression on Treg and melanoma cells is significantly decreased in the presence of agents such as IFN-α, thus explaining at least in part a novel mechanism of action of this adjuvant therapy.In conclusion, GARP in its soluble and membrane bound form contributes to peripheral tolerance in a multipronged way, potentiates the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and thus acts as a negative regulator in melanoma patients. Therefore, it may qualify as a promising target and a new checkpoint for cancer immunotherapy.

Ibuprofen and Diclofenac Restrict Migration and Proliferation of Human Glioma Cells by Distinct Molecular Mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with anti-tumorigenic effects in different tumor entities. For glioma, research has generally focused on diclofenac; however data on other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, is limited. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive investigation of the cellular, molecular, and metabolic effects of ibuprofen and diclofenac on human glioblastoma cells. METHODS: Glioma cell lines were treated with ibuprofen or diclofenac to investigate functional effects on proliferation and cell motility. Cell cycle, extracellular lactate levels, lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDH-A) expression and activity, as well as inhibition of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT-3) signaling pathway, were determined. Specific effects of diclofenac and ibuprofen on STAT-3 were investigated by comparing their effects with those of the specific STAT-3 inhibitor STATTIC. RESULTS: Ibuprofen treatment led to a stronger inhibition of cell growth and migration than treatment with diclofenac. Proliferation was affected by cell cycle arrest at different checkpoints by both agents. In addition, diclofenac, but not ibuprofen, decreased lactate levels in all concentrations used. Both decreased STAT-3 phosphorylation; however, diclofenac led to decreased c-myc expression and subsequent reduction in LDH-A activity, whereas treatment with ibuprofen in higher doses induced c-myc expression and less LDH-A alteration. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that both ibuprofen and diclofenac strongly inhibit glioma cells, but the subsequent metabolic responses of both agents are distinct. We postulate that ibuprofen may inhibit tumor cells also by COX- and lactate-independent mechanisms after long-term treatment in physiological dosages, whereas diclofenac mainly acts by inhibition of STAT-3 signaling and downstream modulation of glycolysis.

Response-predictive gene expression profiling of glioma progenitor cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: High-grade gliomas are amongst the most deadly human tumors. Treatment results are disappointing. Still, in several trials around 20% of patients respond to therapy. To date, diagnostic strategies to identify patients that will profit from a specific therapy do not exist. METHODS: In this study, we used serum-free short-term treated in vitro cell cultures to predict treatment response in vitro. This approach allowed us (a) to enrich specimens for brain tumor initiating cells and (b) to confront cells with a therapeutic agent before expression profiling. RESULTS: As a proof of principle we analyzed gene expression in 18 short-term serum-free cultures of high-grade gliomas enhanced for brain tumor initiating cells (BTIC) before and after in vitro treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sunitinib. Profiles from treated progenitor cells allowed to predict therapy-induced impairment of proliferation in vitro. CONCLUSION: For the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sunitinib used in this dataset, the approach revealed additional predictive information in comparison to the evaluation of classical signaling analysis.