title: Microglia function in brain tumors.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53792-3232, USA.
authors.forename: Jyoti J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Watters
authors.forename: Jill M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Schartner
authors.forename: Behnam
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Badie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D002450:Cell Communication; D002465:Cell Movement; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D005910:Glioma / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D017628:Microglia / Q000473:pathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines