The present invention is directed to isolated peptides, compositions comprising same and methods of use thereof for treating tumors infiltrated with macrophages, such as glioblastomas.

Malignant gliomas account for about 80% of primary brain tumors in adults. The most frequent and malignant is glioblastoma (GBM, WHO grade IV), a very aggressive, highly diffusive brain tumor, which due to a late diagnosis and the lack of efficient therapy remains incurable. The current management of glioblastoma consists of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but due to ineffective tumor removal and therapy resistance, tumors invariably recur in 6 months and a median survival of GBM patients is 14 months.

The peptides according to invention interfere with GM-CSF, and its receptor interaction and thus block the signaling pathways crucial for glioma invasiveness and progression. Surprisingly, the peptides selectively bind to GM-CSF protein, block its binding to respective receptors on microglia, and inhibit activation of the receptors and downstream signaling pathways resulting in inhibition of glioma invasiveness and growth. Thus, the peptides provide a new highly specific glioblastoma therapy.

Nencki Institute is the sole applicant and is coordinating patent protection and commercialization-related activities.

For more information contact Technology Transfer Office.