Abstract
Adult-type diffuse gliomas are highly heterogeneous tumors. Bulk transcriptome analyses suggested that the composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME) corresponds to genetic and clinical features. In this review, we highlight novel findings on the intratumoral heterogeneity of IDH-wildtype and IDH-mutant gliomas characterized at single-cell resolution, and emphasize the mechanisms shaping the immune TME and therapeutic implications. Emergent evidence indicates that in addition to genetic drivers, epigenetic mechanisms and microenvironmental factors influence the glioma subtypes. Interactions between glioma and immune cells contribute to immune evasion, particularly in aggressive tumors. Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of malignant and immune cell subpopulations is high in recurrent gliomas. IDH-wildtype and IDH-mutant tumors display distinctive changes in their myeloid and lymphoid compartments, and D-2HG produced by IDH-mutant cells impacts the immune TME. The comprehensive dissection of the intratumoral ecosystem of human gliomas using single-cell and spatial transcriptomic approaches advances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressed state of the TME, supports the prognostic value of tumor-associated macrophages and microglial cells, and sheds light on novel therapeutic options.
Overview
- The study focuses on the heterogeneity of adult-type diffuse gliomas and their microenvironment. The authors highlight novel findings on the intratumoral heterogeneity of IDH-wildtype and IDH-mutant gliomas at single-cell resolution. They emphasize the mechanisms shaping the immune TME and therapeutic implications. The study aims to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressed state of the TME and support the prognostic value of tumor-associated macrophages and microglial cells. The primary objective is to provide insights into novel therapeutic options for gliomas.
Comparative Analysis & Findings
- The study compares the intratumoral heterogeneity of IDH-wildtype and IDH-mutant gliomas at single-cell resolution. The authors identify distinct changes in the myeloid and lymphoid compartments of these tumors and the impact of D-2HG produced by IDH-mutant cells on the immune TME. They also discuss the mechanisms shaping the immune TME and therapeutic implications of these findings.
Implications and Future Directions
- The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding the intratumoral ecosystem of human gliomas and the mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressed state of the TME. The authors suggest that the prognostic value of tumor-associated macrophages and microglial cells should be further explored, and novel therapeutic options should be developed based on the findings. Future research should focus on the development of personalized therapies for gliomas, taking into account the intratumoral heterogeneity and the immune TME.