LPS alters the immuno-phenotype of glioma and glioma stem-like cells and induces in vivo antitumor immunity via TLR4

BACKGROUND: This study examined the ability of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to affect glioma and glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) in vitro and to induce antitumor immunity in vivo and the role of TLR4 in these processes. METHODS: Using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, we examined the expression of TLR4 in 34 glioblastoma clinical samples. Using real time-PCR, western blot and ELISA analyses, the effect of LPS stimulation on the expression of immune related molecules was evaluated in RG2 and U87 GSCs. Control or LPS-pretreated RG2 GSCs were intracranially or subcutaneously implanted into wild-type or nude Fisher 344 rats. Histopathological examinations were used to assess tumor progression and immune infiltration and Kaplan-Meier analyses to compare survival times of the animal models. RESULTS: TLR4 was highly expressed in glioblastoma clinical samples. In vitro LPS stimulation for 6 h significantly altered expression of immune related molecules in RG2 and U87 GSCs. However, prolonged LPS stimulation diminished this effect. Rats inoculated intracranially with LPS-pretreated RG2 GSCs survived significantly longer than rats inoculated with control RG2 GSCs. In vivo, LPS-pretreated RG2 GSCs expressed higher levels of MHC molecules, CXCL10 and TNF-α and recruited more CD8(+) lymphocytes. However, intratumoral LPS treatment was not equally beneficial. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo effects of LPS stimulation appeared to be largely TLR4-dependent. CONCLUSION: LPS pretreatment promotes the recognition and eradication of tumor GSCs in vivo when the immune function of the tumor-bearing host is intact. In addition, our data indicate a complex relationship between bacterial infection and glioma prognosis. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-017-0552-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.