SCF-mediated mast cell infiltration and activation exacerbate the inflammation and immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment

Blood. 2008 Aug 15;112(4):1269-79. doi: 10.1182/blood-2008-03-147033. Epub 2008 Jun 4.

Abstract

Despite the evidence for the role of inflammation in cancer initiation, promotion, and progression, the precise mechanism by which the inflammation within tumor is orchestrated by inflammatory cells remains to be determined. Here, we report that tumor-infiltrating mast cells remodel tumor microenvironment and promote tumor growth. Mast cell infiltration and activation in tumors were mainly mediated by tumor-derived stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c-Kit on mast cells. Low concentrations of SCF efficiently induced the chemotactic migration of mast cells. Tumor-infiltrating mast cells, activated by higher concentrations of SCF, expressed multiple proinflammatory factors and increased IL-17 expression in tumors. The activity of NF-kappaB and AP-1 in tumor cells was intensified in the mast cell-remodeled inflammatory microenvironment. SCF-activated mast cells also exacerbated tumor immunosuppression by releasing adenosine and increasing T regulatory cells, which augmented the suppression of T cells and natural killer cells in tumors. These findings emphasize that the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment can actually be initiated by tumor cell-released SCF and suggest that mast cells are not only a participator but also a critical regulator of inflammation and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chemotaxis*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / analysis
  • Inflammation*
  • Interleukin-17
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Mast Cells / immunology*
  • Mast Cells / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Stem Cell Factor / physiology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology
  • Transcription Factor AP-1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Interleukin-17
  • NF-kappa B
  • Stem Cell Factor
  • Transcription Factor AP-1