Tumour-associated macrophages and oncolytic virotherapies: a mathematical investigation into a complex dynamics

Raluca Eftimie (Lead / Corresponding author), G. Eftimie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)
318 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Anti-cancer therapies based on oncolytic viruses are emerging as important approaches in cancer treatment. However, the effectiveness of these therapies depends significantly on the interactions between the oncolytic viruses and the host immune response. Macrophages are one of the most important cell types in the anti-viral immune responses, by acting as a first line of defence against infections. Here we consider a mathematical approach to investigate the possible outcomes of the interactions between two extreme phenotypes of macrophages (M1 and M2 cells) and an oncolytic virus (VSV), in the context of B16F10 melanoma. We show that polarisation towards either an M1 or M2 phenotype can enhance oncolytic virus therapy through either (i) anti-tumour immune activation, or (ii) enhanced oncolysis. Moreover, we show that tumour reduction and elimination does not depend only on the ratio of M1:M2 cells, but also on the number of tumour-infiltrating macrophages.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S6-S35
JournalLetters in Biomathematics
Volume5
Issue numbersup1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Feb 2018

Keywords

  • M1 macrophages
  • M2 macrophages
  • Oncolytic viruses
  • mathematical model
  • melanoma cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Statistics and Probability
  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous)

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