Modulation of glioma-neuron networks by immune cells in malignant brain tumors (09)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 318346496

Patients suffering from malignant glioma die within one year of diagnosis. Previously, we showed how the Notch ligand EGFL7 governs glioma formation, immune cell invasion into the pathological brain, and described the potential of Th17 cells, microglia and EGFL7 to directly/indirectly alter neural networks in the CNS. Next, we will define the compartmental origin of glioma-resident immune cells and determine their influence on glioma-neuron synapses required for brain tumor survival. In this way, we aim to change the immune status in the tumor microenvironment to reduce brain tumor growth and prevent network integration of glioma cells into in order to develop novel glioma treatment concepts.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1292: Targeting convergent mechanisms of inefficient immunity in tumors and chronic infections
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Mirko H.H. Schmidt; Professorin Dr. Frauke Zipp