Immune Cell Sequence Shapes Glioblastoma Treatment Response, Korean Scientists Show

Researchers led by Professor Sungsu Park of Sungkyunkwan University and Professor Sun‑Ha Paek of Seoul National University demonstrated that the order in which immune cells encounter glioblastoma cells critically influences therapeutic outcomes. Using a micro‑fluidic platform to control the timing of microglia and natural‑killer (NK) cell introduction, they found that early microglia contact activates STAT3 signaling, limiting NK‑cell infiltration and promoting tumor growth, whereas early NK‑cell contact up‑regulates IL12A and sustains tumor suppression.

Combining a STAT3 inhibitor (WP1066) with the chemotherapy drug temozolomide markedly increased NK‑cell infiltration and tumor cell death in patient‑derived glioblastoma models, indicating a synergistic therapeutic strategy. The findings suggest that precise timing of immune‑cell interactions could be leveraged to tailor personalized immunotherapy for glioblastoma patients.