[PDF][PDF] Expansion of myeloid immune suppressor Gr+ CD11b+ cells in tumor-bearing host directly promotes tumor angiogenesis

L Yang, LM DeBusk, K Fukuda, B Fingleton… - Cancer cell, 2004 - cell.com
L Yang, LM DeBusk, K Fukuda, B Fingleton, B Green-Jarvis, Y Shyr, LM Matrisian…
Cancer cell, 2004cell.com
We demonstrate a novel tumor-promoting role of myeloid immune suppressor Gr+ CD11b+
cells, which are evident in cancer patients and tumor-bearing animals. These cells constitute
approximately 5% of total cells in tumors. Tumors coinjected with Gr+ CD11b+ cells
exhibited increased vascular density, vascular maturation, and decreased necrosis. These
immune cells produce high levels of MMP9. Deletion of MMP9 in these cells completely
abolishes their tumor-promoting ability. Gr+ CD11b+ cells were also found to directly …
Abstract
We demonstrate a novel tumor-promoting role of myeloid immune suppressor Gr+CD11b+ cells, which are evident in cancer patients and tumor-bearing animals. These cells constitute approximately 5% of total cells in tumors. Tumors coinjected with Gr+CD11b+ cells exhibited increased vascular density, vascular maturation, and decreased necrosis. These immune cells produce high levels of MMP9. Deletion of MMP9 in these cells completely abolishes their tumor-promoting ability. Gr+CD11b+ cells were also found to directly incorporate into tumor endothelium. Consistent with this observation, Gr+CD11b+ cells acquire endothelial cell (EC) properties in tumor microenvironment and proangiogenic culture conditions. Our data provide evidence that Gr+CD11b+ cells of immune origin induced by tumors directly contribute to tumor growth and vascularization by producing MMP9 and differentiating into ECs.
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