Elsevier, Journal of Neuroimmunology, 1-2(264), p. 71-83, 2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2013.08.013
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We characterized GBM patients' tumor and systemic immune contexture with aim to reveal the mechanisms of immunological escape, their impact on patient outcome, and identify targets for immunotherapy. Increased CD3(+) T-cell infiltration was associated with prolonged survival independent of age, MGMT promoter methylation and post-operative treatment that implies potential for immunotherapy for GBM. Several mechanisms of escape were identified: within the tumor microenvironment: induced CD8(+)CD28(-)Foxp3(+) Tregs that may tolerize antigen presenting cells, elevated CD73 and CD39 ectonucleotidases that suppress T-cell function, and at the systemic level: elevated IL-10 levels in serum, diminished helper T-cell counts, and upregulated inhibitory CTLA-4.