Hypoxic Regions in Mesothelioma Likely Modulate Cross-Talk between Tumour Cells, Macrophages and Endothelial Cells and Regulate Responses to Immunotherapy

Abstract

The goal of this research was to develop in vitro mesothelioma models representing normoxic (20% O2) or hypoxic (2% O2) environments (likely representing a large mesothelioma tumour), to study the crosstalk between mesothelioma cells, tumour-associated macrophages and endothelial cells. The models were used to study the effect of immunotherapies involving interleukin-2 and anti-CD40 antibody on these cells’ relationships. The data show that hypoxia influences the function of these cells and their responses to immunotherapies.