Can GBM Exosomes Turn Off T-Cells?

One of the reasons glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is so hard to treat is that the tumor has several ways to slow down the patient’s immune system. For example, a type of white blood cell called the T cell is normally activated when exposed to a protein (or antigen) from a bacteria, virus or tumor cell. In patients with GBM and other cancers, the T cells don’t activate properly and can’t fight off the cancer. The medical term for this is anergy. T cells can become anergic in a variety of ways.

I am looking at a completely new way for GBM to cause T cell anergy. It turns out many cancer cells, including GBM produce tiny membrane bound particles called exosomes. Exosomes contain proteins that can interact with other cells and change the way they work. These exosomes are released into the circulation and travel throughout the body. The question I want to answer is: can exosomes from GBM cells make the T cells anergic?

This method of immune suppression has not been studied in GBM. If GBM exosomes cause T cell anergy, new treatments for GBM could be developed.

Investigators include: Keith Sabin, MS candidate

Costs

Coming soon…

Coming soon…