ImmunoGBMet · Understanding iNKT cell Metabolic features in GlioBlastoMa tumours to improve Immunotherapy

Understanding iNKT cell Metabolic features in GlioBlastoMa tumours to improve Immunotherapy

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, with very limited treatment options and poor survival rates. In recent years, immunotherapy has brought major advances for several cancers, but these benefits have not yet translated to glioblastoma. One of the main obstacles is that these tumours create a very hostile environment for immune cells. This environment, known as the tumour microenvironment, contains large amounts of inhibitory molecules and unusual metabolic conditions that weaken the ability of immune cells to detect and eliminate cancer cells. Understanding why immune cells fail in this environment is essential for developing more effective therapies. Among the many immune cell types that participate in anti-tumour responses, NK and NKT cells are especially interesting. However, very little is known about how these cells behave inside glioblastoma tumours, or how the metabolic conditions created by the tumour affect their function. Recent research suggests that lipids and other metabolites build up inside tumours and interfere with the metabolic pathways immune cells rely on. When these pathways are disrupted, immune cells can become dysfunctional and unable to mount a proper response. This project set out to understand how the metabolic environment inside glioblastoma tumours alters the behaviour of immune cells, and how these alterations contribute to their reduced effectiveness. The project aimed to identify which metabolic pathways are most affected when immune cells enter the tumour. With this knowledge, the project intended to explore new strategies for engineering immune cells that are more resistant to the harsh tumour environment. The overarching objective was to build the scientific foundation for improving immunotherapy approaches for glioblastoma. By uncovering the metabolic weaknesses imposed on NK and NKT cells and exploring ways to reinforce them, the project contributes to long-term efforts to create more durable and effective immune-based treatments for aggressive cancers. Beyond glioblastoma, the findings may also inform future strategies for boosting immune responses in other diseases where metabolism plays a critical role.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union