The Neuroimmune Regulation and Potential Therapeutic Strategies of Optic Pathway Glioma

Abstract

Optic pathway glioma (OPG) is one of the causes of pediatric visual impairment. Unfortunately, there is as yet no cure for such a disease. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and the potential therapeutic strategies may help to delay the progression of OPG and rescue the visual morbidities. Here, we provide an overview of preclinical OPG studies and the regulatory pathways controlling OPG pathophysiology. We next discuss the role of microenvironmental cells (neurons, T cells, and tumor-associated microglia and macrophages) in OPG development. Last, we provide insight into potential therapeutic strategies for treating OPG and promoting axon regeneration.

Keywords

• optic pathway glioma
• optic nerve
• neurofibromatosis type 1
• tumor microenvironment
• cancer neuroscience
• tumor-associated microglia and macrophages