Immunotherapy for malignant glioma: preclinical models to improve efficacy of the immune attack

The prognosis of high grade glioma (HGG) is poor in spite of advanced neurosurgery, radio- and chemotherapy. Evidence appears that active specific immunotherapy with mature dendritic cells loaded with tumor lysate (DCm-HGG-L) might induce long term survival. In our preclinical GL261 model, we are now looking for strategies to improve the efficacy of the immune attack. For this, we are approaching two key molecules on the tumor cells. Galectin-1 is known to play a central role in T cell homeostasis and tolerance by inducing T cell apoptosis. Moreover, it induces chemoresistance in tumor cells. Increased expressio…