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Pflügler S, Svinka J, Scharf I, Crncec I, Filipits M, Charoentong P, Tschurtschenthaler M, Kenner L, Awad M, Stift J, Schernthanner M, Bischl R, Herndler-Brandstetter D, Glitzner E, Moll HP, Casanova E, Timelthaler G, Sibilia M, Gnant M, Lax S, Thaler J, Müller M, Strobl B, Mohr T, Kaser A, Trajanoski Z, Heller G, Eferl R. IDO1 + Paneth cells promote immune escape of colorectal cancer. Commun Biol 2020; 3:252. [PMID: 32444775 PMCID: PMC7244549 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0989-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors have evolved mechanisms to escape anti-tumor immunosurveillance. They limit humoral and cellular immune activities in the stroma and render tumors resistant to immunotherapy. Sensitizing tumor cells to immune attack is an important strategy to revert immunosuppression. However, the underlying mechanisms of immune escape are still poorly understood. Here we discover Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1)+ Paneth cells in the stem cell niche of intestinal crypts and tumors, which promoted immune escape of colorectal cancer (CRC). Ido1 expression in Paneth cells was strictly Stat1 dependent. Loss of IDO1+ Paneth cells in murine intestinal adenomas with tumor cell-specific Stat1 deletion had profound effects on the intratumoral immune cell composition. Patient samples and TCGA expression data suggested corresponding cells in human colorectal tumors. Thus, our data uncovered an immune escape mechanism of CRC and identify IDO1+ Paneth cells as a target for immunotherapy. Pflügler, Svinka et al. identify a subset of Paneth cells in mouse intestinal crypts and tumors, which express the immune checkpoint molecule Ido1 in a Stat1-dependent manner and promote tumor growth. Gene expression data from human colorectal cancer (CRC) suggest that a similar population is present in human cancer and opens the door for further studies of immune escape mechanisms in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pflügler
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Svinka
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Scharf
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ilija Crncec
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Filipits
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pornpimol Charoentong
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Biocenter, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Tschurtschenthaler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.,Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research LBICR, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monira Awad
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Stift
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marina Schernthanner
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Romana Bischl
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Elisabeth Glitzner
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herwig P Moll
- Department of Physiology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emilio Casanova
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research LBICR, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Physiology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Timelthaler
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Sibilia
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Gnant
- Department of Surgery, Breast Health Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sigurd Lax
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Graz II, 8020, Graz, Austria.,Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Johannes Kepler University, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Josef Thaler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, 4600, Wels, Austria
| | - Mathias Müller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Strobl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Mohr
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arthur Kaser
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Zlatko Trajanoski
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Biocenter, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerwin Heller
- Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Eferl
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Unterleuthner D, Neuhold P, Schwarz K, Janker L, Neuditschko B, Nivarthi H, Crncec I, Kramer N, Unger C, Hengstschläger M, Eferl R, Moriggl R, Sommergruber W, Gerner C, Dolznig H. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived WNT2 increases tumor angiogenesis in colon cancer. Angiogenesis 2019; 23:159-177. [PMID: 31667643 PMCID: PMC7160098 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-019-09688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
WNT2 acts as a pro-angiogenic factor in placental vascularization and increases angiogenesis in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (ECs) and other ECs. Increased WNT2 expression is detectable in many carcinomas and participates in tumor progression. In human colorectal cancer (CRC), WNT2 is selectively elevated in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), leading to increased invasion and metastasis. However, if there is a role for WNT2 in colon cancer, angiogenesis was not addressed so far. We demonstrate that WNT2 enhances EC migration/invasion, while it induces canonical WNT signaling in a small subset of cells. Knockdown of WNT2 in CAFs significantly reduced angiogenesis in a physiologically relevant assay, which allows precise assessment of key angiogenic properties. In line with these results, expression of WNT2 in otherwise WNT2-devoid skin fibroblasts led to increased angiogenesis. In CRC xenografts, WNT2 overexpression resulted in enhanced vessel density and tumor volume. Moreover, WNT2 expression correlates with vessel markers in human CRC. Secretome profiling of CAFs by mass spectrometry and cytokine arrays revealed that proteins associated with pro-angiogenic functions are elevated by WNT2. These included extracellular matrix molecules, ANG-2, IL-6, G-CSF, and PGF. The latter three increased angiogenesis. Thus, stromal-derived WNT2 elevates angiogenesis in CRC by shifting the balance towards pro-angiogenic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Unterleuthner
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Neuhold
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Schwarz
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Janker
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Neuditschko
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harini Nivarthi
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Währinger Straße 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,CeMM, Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ilija Crncec
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Servier Pharma, Tuškanova 37, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Kramer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Unger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Hengstschläger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Eferl
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research, Währinger Straße 13a, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Sommergruber
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, 1130, Vienna, Austria.,Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences, FH Campus Wien, Helmut- Qualtinger-Gasse 2, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Dolznig
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Pathria P, Gotthardt D, Prchal-Murphy M, Putz EM, Holcmann M, Schlederer M, Grabner B, Crncec I, Svinka J, Musteanu M, Hoffmann T, Filipits M, Berger W, Poli V, Kenner L, Bilban M, Casanova E, Müller M, Strobl B, Bayer E, Mohr T, Sexl V, Eferl R. Myeloid STAT3 promotes formation of colitis-associated colorectal cancer in mice. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e998529. [PMID: 26137415 PMCID: PMC4485776 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2014.998529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells lacking STAT3 promote antitumor responses of NK and T cells but it is unknown if this crosstalk affects development of autochthonous tumors. We deleted STAT3 in murine myeloid cells (STAT3Δm) and examined the effect on the development of autochthonous colorectal cancers (CRCs). Formation of Azoxymethane/Dextransulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced CRCs was strongly suppressed in STAT3Δm mice. Gene expression profiling showed strong activation of T cells in the stroma of STAT3Δm CRCs. Moreover, STAT3Δm host mice were better able to control the growth of transplanted MC38 colorectal tumor cells which are known to be killed in a T cell-dependent manner. These data suggest that myeloid cells lacking STAT3 control formation of CRCs mainly via cross activation of T cells. Interestingly, the few CRCs that formed in STAT3Δm mice displayed enhanced stromalization but appeared normal in size indicating that they have acquired ways to escape enhanced tumor surveillance. We found that CRCs in STAT3Δm mice consistently activate STAT3 signaling which is implicated in immune evasion and might be a target to prevent tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Pathria
- Institute for Cancer Research; Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Dagmar Gotthardt
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Austria
| | - Michaela Prchal-Murphy
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Austria
| | - Eva-Maria Putz
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Austria
| | - Martin Holcmann
- Institute for Cancer Research; Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Schlederer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research LBICR; Vienna, Austria; Institute of Clinical Pathology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna, Austria; Unit of Pathology of Laboratory Animals; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrice Grabner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research LBICR; Vienna, Austria; Institute of Clinical Pathology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna, Austria; Unit of Pathology of Laboratory Animals; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Ilija Crncec
- Institute for Cancer Research; Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Svinka
- Institute for Cancer Research; Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Monica Musteanu
- Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) ; Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Martin Filipits
- Institute for Cancer Research; Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Berger
- Institute for Cancer Research; Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Valeria Poli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences; Molecular Biotechnology Center; University of Turin ; Italy
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research LBICR; Vienna, Austria; Institute of Clinical Pathology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna, Austria; Unit of Pathology of Laboratory Animals; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Bilban
- Medical University Vienna; Department of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Emilio Casanova
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research LBICR; Vienna, Austria; Institute of Clinical Pathology; Medical University of Vienna; Vienna, Austria; Unit of Pathology of Laboratory Animals; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Müller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Strobl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Editha Bayer
- Institute for Cancer Research; Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Mohr
- Institute for Cancer Research; Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) ; Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Sexl
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology; University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna; Austria
| | - Robert Eferl
- Institute for Cancer Research; Medical University Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) ; Vienna, Austria
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