Infiltrating CD8+ T cells and M2 macrophages are retained in tumor matrix tracks enriched in low tension fibronectin fibers
Abstract
Tracks rich in matrix and cells, as described in several cancer types, have immunosuppressive functions and separate tumor nests and stroma, yet their origin is unknown. Immunostainings of cryosections from mouse breast tumors show that these tracks are bordered by an endothelial-like basement membrane, filled with fibers of collagen adjacent to tenascin-C (TNC) and low-tension fibronectin (Fn) fibers. While present in early-stage tumors and maturing with time, tracks still form under TNC KO conditions, however, host (not tumor cell)-derived TNC is important for track maturation. Tumor infiltrating leukocytes (mostly M2 macrophages and CD8+ T cells) are retained in tracks of early-stage tumors. Following track maturation, retained tumor infiltrating leukocyte (TIL) numbers get reduced and more CD8+ TIL enter the tumor nests in the absence of TNC. As these tracks are enriched with platelets and fibrinogen and have a demarcating endothelial-like basement membrane often adjacent to endothelial cells, this suggests a role of blood vessels in the formation of these tracks. The Fn fiber tension probe FnBPA5 colocalizes with TNC and immune cells in the tracks and shows decreased binding in tracks lacking TNC. Consequently, FnBPA5 can serve as probe for tumor matrix tracks that have immune suppressive properties. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000594873Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Matrix BiologyVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
ElsevierSubject
Cancer; Tumor matrix tracks; Tenascin-C; Fibronectin binding peptide FnBPA5; CD8+ T cells; M2 macrophages; Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT)Organisational unit
03640 - Vogel, Viola / Vogel, Viola
Funding
156931 - Mechanotransduction processes, from the cell periphery to the nucleus, in 2D versus 3D microenvironments (SNF)
175839 - Mechanobiology of Extracellular Matrix (SNF)
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