Brain cells boost glioblastoma; Maraviroc blocks CCR5
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- McMaster University researchers found that oligodendrocytes, normally protective brain cells, promote glioblastoma growth through CCL5/CCR5 signaling.
- The Hospital for Sick Children co‑authors reported that blocking CCR5 signaling in laboratory models reduced tumor expansion significantly.
- Maraviroc – an FDA‑approved HIV medication that targets CCR5 – was identified as a drug that can interrupt the oligodendrocyte‑glioblastoma communication pathway.
- Neuron published the study in its April 2026 issue, detailing the CCL5/CCR5‑mediated maintenance of glioma stem cells by reactive oligodendrocytes.
- Sheila Singh (co‑senior author) described glioblastoma as an ecosystem and highlighted the therapeutic vulnerability uncovered by the study.
- Jason Moffat (co‑senior author) noted that the existing CCR5 blocker offers a rapid repurposing opportunity for patients with limited treatment options.
Why it matters: The link between oligodendrocyte signaling and glioblastoma growth creates a concrete therapeutic target, and the availability of the approved CCR5 inhibitor Maraviroc provides an immediate drug‑repurposing pathway, expanding treatment options for patients facing a cancer with median survival measured in months.
