LPS alters the immuno-phenotype of glioma and glioma stem-like cells and induces in vivo antitumor immunity via TLR4.

Background: This study examined the ability of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to affect glioma and glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) in vitro and to induce antitumor immunity in vivo and the role of TLR4 in these processes.

Methods: Using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, we examined the expression of TLR4 in 34 glioblastoma clinical samples. Using real time-PCR, western blot and ELISA analyses, the effect of LPS stimulation on the expression of immune related molecules was evaluated in RG2 and U87 GSCs.

Lithium enhances the antitumour effect of temozolomide against TP53 wild-type glioblastoma cells via NFAT1/FasL signalling.

Background: We previously showed that activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)1/Fas ligand (FasL) pathway induces glioma cell death. Lithium (Li) is an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 that activates NFAT1/FasL signalling. Temozolomide (TMZ) inhibits GSK-3 and activates Fas in tumour protein (TP)53 wild-type (TP53wt) glioma cells.

Monomeric annexin A2 is an oxygen-regulated toll-like receptor 2 ligand and adjuvant.

Background: Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is a pleiotropic, calcium-dependent, phospholipid-binding protein with a broad tissue distribution. It can be intracellular, membrane-bound, or secreted, and it exists as a monomer or heterotetramer. The secreted ANXA2 heterotetramer signals human and murine macrophages to produce IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α through TLR4/MyD88- and TRIF-dependent pathways.

CD200 in CNS tumor-induced immunosuppression: the role for CD200 pathway blockade in targeted immunotherapy.

Background: Immunological quiescence in the central nervous system (CNS) is a potential barrier to immune mediated anti-tumor response. One suppressive mechanism results from the interaction of parenchyma-derived CD200 and its receptor on myeloid cells. We suggest that CD200/CD200R interactions on myeloid cells expand the myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) population and that blocking tumor-derived CD200 will enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Vaccine injection site matters: qualitative and quantitative defects in CD8 T cells primed as a function of proximity to the tumor in a murine glioma model.

Malignant gliomas are lethal brain tumors for which novel therapies are urgently needed. In animal models, vaccination with tumor-associated Ags efficiently primes T cells to clear gliomas. In clinical trials, cancer vaccines have been less effective at priming T cells and extending survival.

Vasculogenic mimicry-potential target for glioblastoma therapy: an in vitro and in vivo study.

Glioblastoma is one of the most angiogenic human tumors and characterized by microvascular proliferations. A better understanding of glioblastoma vasculature is needed to optimize anti-angiogenic therapy that has shown a promising but incomplete efficacy. The present study examined 48 glioblastomas by CD34 endothelial marker periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) dual staining and found non-endothelial cell-lined blood vessels that were formed by tumor cells (vasculogenic mimicry, VM) existing in a fraction of these tumors.

Burr-hole craniotomy treating chronic subdural hematoma: a report of 398 cases.

Objective: To investigate the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) with burr-hole craniotomy in our hospital.

Methods: From January 2004 to December 2009, 398 patients with CSDH, 338 males and 60 females (male/female equal to 5.63/1), received burr-hole craniotomy in our hospital.