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Microglia function in brain tumors
Author(s) -
Watters Jyoti J.,
Schartner Jill M.,
Badie Behnam
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of neuroscience research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.72
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1097-4547
pISSN - 0360-4012
DOI - 10.1002/jnr.20485
Subject(s) - microglia , immune system , central nervous system , macrophage , function (biology) , effector , neuroscience , biology , glioma , secretion , brain tumor , immunology , medicine , inflammation , cancer research , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology , in vitro , endocrinology , biochemistry
Microglia play an important role in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). These cells have also been identified in brain neoplasms; however, as of yet their function largely remains unclear. More recent studies designed to characterize further tumor‐associated microglia suggest that the immune effector function of these cells may be suppressed in CNS tumors. Furthermore, microglia and macrophages can secrete various cytokines and growth factors that may contribute to the successful immune evasion, growth, and invasion of brain neoplasms. A better understanding of microglia and macrophage function is essential for the development of immune‐based treatment strategies against malignant brain tumors. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.