Stromal-driven and Amyloid β-dependent induction of neutrophil extracellular traps modulates tumor growth

Hafsa Munir, James O. Jones, Tobias Janowitz, Markus Hoffmann, Maximilien Euler, Carla P. Martins, Sarah J. Welsh, Jacqueline D. Shields*

*Corresponding author for this work
    56 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Tumors consist of cancer cells and a network of non-cancerous stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are known to support tumorigenesis, and are emerging as immune modulators. Neutrophils release histone-bound nuclear DNA and cytotoxic granules as extracellular traps (NET). Here we show that CAFs induce NET formation within the tumor and systemically in the blood and bone marrow. These tumor-induced NETs (t-NETs) are driven by a ROS-mediated pathway dependent on CAF-derived Amyloid β, a peptide implicated in both neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders. Inhibition of NETosis in murine tumors skews neutrophils to an anti-tumor phenotype, preventing tumor growth; reciprocally, t-NETs enhance CAF activation. Mirroring observations in mice, CAFs are detected juxtaposed to NETs in human melanoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and show elevated amyloid and β-Secretase expression which correlates with poor prognosis. In summary, we report that CAFs drive NETosis to support cancer progression, identifying Amyloid β as the protagonist and potential therapeutic target.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number683
    JournalNature Communications
    Volume12
    Issue number1
    ISSN1751-8628
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 01.12.2021

    Research Areas and Centers

    • Academic Focus: Center for Infection and Inflammation Research (ZIEL)
    • Centers: Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin (CRIS)

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