Brain tumours could be resisting immunotherapies by trapping T-cells in bone marrow
Researchers from Osaka University have found that brain tumours in mice and humans cause T-cells to become trapped in bone marrow.
T-cells are a type of lymphocyte (a subtype of white blood cell) responsible for a number of immune responses. Some brain tumours are affiliated with low count of immune T-cells.
The researchers explain that the effects of the tumour seem to block cells from leaving the bone marrow therefore inhibiting their proper function resulting in tumours remaining undetected by the immune system.
According to the study, blocking the cell's ability to incorporate a protein called S1P1 caused the T-cells to re-emerge from the marrow.
The study also proposes that therapies that activate T-lymphocytes may be helpful adjuncts to current brain tumour treatments. These findings could help improve the outcomes of immunotherapy treatments for brain tumours.
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