Tumor progression is independent of tumor-associated macrophages in cell lineage-based mouse models of glioblastoma

Macrophage targeting therapies have had limited clinical success in glioblastoma (GBM). Further understanding the GBM immune microenvironment is critical for refining immunotherapeutic approaches. Here, we use genetically engineered mouse models and orthotopic transplantation-based GBM models with identical driver mutations and unique cells of origin to examine the role of tumor cell lineage in shaping the immune microenvironment and response to tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) depletion therapy. We show that oligodendrocyte progenitor cell lineage-associated GBMs (Type 2) recruit more immune infiltrates and specifically monocyte-derived macrophages than subventricular zone neural stem cell-associated GBMs (Type 1). We then devise a TAM depletion system that offers a uniquely robust and sustained TAM depletion. We find that extensive TAM depletion in these cell lineage-based GBM models affords no survival benefit. Despite the lack of survival benefit of TAM depletion, we show that Type 1 and Type 2 GBMs have unique molecular responses to TAM depletion. In sum, we demonstrate that GBM cell lineage influences TAM ontogeny and abundance and molecular response to TAM depletion.

Automated summary

By using genetically engineered mouse models and orthotopic transplantation-based GBM models, this study explores the influence of tumor cell lineage on the immune microenvironment and response to tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) depletion therapy. Results show that oligodendrocyte progenitor cell lineage-associated GBMs recruit more immune infiltrates compared to subventricular zone neural stem cell-associated GBMs. A TAM depletion system is devised, but extensive TAM depletion does not confer any survival benefit in these cell lineage-based GBM models. However, Type 1 and Type 2 GBMs exhibit unique molecular responses to TAM depletion.