Initial afferent lymphatic vessels controlling outbound leukocyte traffic from skin to lymph nodes

Tissue drains fluid and macromolecules through lymphatic vessels (LVs), which are lined by a specialized endothelium that expresses peculiar differentiation proteins, not found in blood vessels (i.e., LYVE-1, Podoplanin, PROX-1, and VEGFR-3). Lymphatic capillaries are characteristically devoid of a continuous basal membrane and are anchored to the ECM by elastic fibers that act as pulling ropes which open the vessel to avoid edema if tissue volume increases, as it occurs upon inflammation. LVs are also crucial for the transit of T lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells from tissue to draining lymph nodes (LN). Importantly, cell traffic control across lymphatic endothelium is differently regulated under resting and inflammatory conditions. Under steady-state non-inflammatory conditions, leukocytes enter into the lymphatic capillaries through basal membrane gaps (portals). This entrance is integrin-independent and seems to be mainly guided by CCL21 chemokine gradients acting on leukocytes expressing CCR7. In contrast, inflammatory processes in lymphatic capillaries involve a plethora of cytokines, chemokines, leukocyte integrins, and other adhesion molecules. Importantly, under inflammation a role for integrins and their ligands becomes apparent and, as a consequence, the number of leukocytes entering the lymphatic capillaries multiplies several-fold. Enhancing transmigration of dendritic cells en route to LN is conceivably useful for vaccination and cancer immunotherapy, whereas interference with such key mechanisms may ameliorate autoimmunity or excessive inflammation. Recent findings illustrate how, transient cell-to-cell interactions between lymphatic endothelial cells and leukocytes contribute to shape the subsequent behavior of leukocytes and condition the LV for subsequent trans-migratory events

Selection of down-regulated sequences along the monocytic differentiation of leukemic HL60 cells

In order to dissect the molecular mechanisms of monocytic differentiation we have developed a subtractive hybridisation method based on a simplified 'representational difference analysis'. We have selected 16 sequences and confirmed their down-regulation along the TPA-induced monocytic differentiation of HL60 cells. Among these sequences we have identified the alpha-tubulin, the TaxREB protein and two ribosomal protein sequences which had not been previously described as differentially expressed. These results add to our knowledge about the molecules implicated along the monocytic differentiation and growth arrest of leukemic cells and provide a first step in the study of their respective roles

Co-expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and arginases in different human monocyte subsets. Apoptosis regulated by endogenous NO

Human monocyte subsets, isolated from cultures of mononuclear cells, or freshly obtained from patients with multiple sclerosis, Graves' disease or pemphigus vulgaris, differed in phenotype, apoptotic features, mRNA levels of arginase II (A-II) and the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Liver-type arginase I mRNA was present in all subsets. Apoptosis was followed by the expression of T cell intracellular antigen (TIA) and the simultaneous detection of DNA stainability by propidium iodine and annexin V binding. Apoptosis was practically absent both in activated CD14(++)CD33(++)DR(++)CD25(++)CD69(++)CD71(++/+) CD16(-) cells, expressing A-II mRNA and having arginase activity, but not iNOS mRNA, and in not fully mature large CD14(++)CD16(+)CD23(+)DR(++) monocytes, expressing simultaneously both mRNAs and having both enzyme activities. However, differentiated small CD14(+/++)CD16(+)CD69(+)CD25(+/-)CD71(++)CD23(+) DR(++) monocytes, expressing high levels of iNOS mRNA, exhibited apoptotic signs. Amounts of NO synthesised by monocytes co-expressing iNOS and arginase changed with the addition of arginine or an iNOS inhibitor; in that case a correlation of NO production and apoptotic features was observed. Data suggest a regulatory role for endogenous NO in apoptosis of stimulated and differentiated monocytes, and also that iNOS and A-II, when simultaneously present, could control the production of NO as a consequence of their competition for arginine

ICAM-1-LFA-1 dependent CD8+ T-Lymphocyte aggregation in tumor tissue prevents recirculation to draining lymph nodes

The quantity of T-lymphocytes reaching the draining lymph nodes from tumors is likely important to mount effective distant responses and for the establishment of long term systemic memory. Looking into mechanisms behind lymphocyte egress, we directed our attention to leukocyte adhesion mechanisms inside tumors. Here we demonstrate that activated T-cells form intra-tumor aggregates in a LFA-1-ICAM-1-dependent fashion in mouse models of melanoma and breast cancer. We also provide evidence of the presence of T-cell clusters in primary human melanoma. Disruption of LFA-1-ICAM-1 interactions, and thereby T-cell clustering, enhances the arrival of activated CD8+ T-cells to tumor draining lymph nodes in both transplanted and spontaneous cancer models. Interestingly, upon ICAM-1 blockade, the expression of the chemotactic receptor CCR7 augments in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and in in-vitro de-clustered T cells, as well as their ability to transmigrate across lymphatic endothelial cells. We propose that ICAM-1-mediated homotypic T-lymphocyte aggregation may serve as a tumor-mediated immune retention mechanism entrapping activated CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Modulation of T-cell adhesion may be of use to improve the transit of activated lymphocytes toward the lymph nodes and their subsequent recirculation

Carcinoma-derived interleukin-8 disorients dendritic cell migration without impairing T-cell stimulation

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-8 (IL-8, CXCL8) is readily produced by human malignant cells. Dendritic cells (DC) both produce IL-8 and express the IL-8 functional receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2. Most human colon carcinomas produce IL-8. IL-8 importance in malignancies has been ascribed to angiogenesis promotion. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: IL-8 effects on human monocyte-derived DC biology were explored upon DC exposure to recombinant IL-8 and with the help of an IL-8 neutralizing mAb. In vivo experiments were performed in immunodeficient mice xenografted with IL-8-producing human colon carcinomas and comparatively with cell lines that do not produce IL-8. Allogenic T lymphocyte stimulation by DC was explored under the influence of IL-8. DC and neutrophil chemotaxis were measured by transwell-migration assays. Sera from tumor-xenografted mice contained increasing concentrations of IL-8 as the tumors progress. IL-8 production by carcinoma cells can be modulated by low doses of cyclophosphamide at the transcription level. If human DC are injected into HT29 or CaCo2 xenografted tumors, DC are retained intratumorally in an IL-8-dependent fashion. However, IL-8 did not modify the ability of DC to stimulate T cells. Interestingly, pre-exposure of DC to IL-8 desensitizes such cells for IL-8-mediated in vitro or in vivo chemoattraction. Thereby DC become disoriented to subsequently follow IL-8 chemotactic gradients towards malignant or inflamed tissue. CONCLUSIONS: IL-8 as produced by carcinoma cells changes DC migration cues, without directly interfering with DC-mediated T-cell stimulation

Optimization of tumor immunotherapy in breast carcinoma. Tumor microvasculature normalization: blood vessels' endothelium

Breast cancer is one of the most common and malignant cancers nowadays. Like many cancers, it is extensively regulated by pro-angiogenic and pro-lymphangiogenic factors, which induce rapid vasculature growth. This results in aberrant vessels which enhance a pro-tumor environment by preventing treatment against cancer to get to the tumor, inducing the malignancy of cancer cells, and inhibiting the immune response. In the last years, antiangiogenic treatment was suggested as a possible way to eliminate the tumor-supporting environment. This approach was soon replaced by the judicious use of these anti-angiogenic molecules in normalizing concentrations, to prevent pro-tumor effects, such as cell malignification. In a novel approach to prevent these processes to occur, we have designed a treatment based on the normalization of the tumoral vasculature of triple-negative breast carcinoma, so they return to their physiological state. For this aim, we have analyzed the effects of the blockage of VEGF-A and VEGF-C signaling pathways (angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis), by targeting their receptors, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3, with inhibitor molecules (DC101 antibody and SAR131675 molecules)

Estudio de los mecanismos celulares y moleculares implicados en la adhesión y migración de células de carcinoma pulmonar no microcítico inducidas por TGFß

TGFβ plays a dual role in tumorigenesis, acting as a tumor suppressor early in the process, but turning into tumor promoter in late-stage disease. Cancer metastasis is linked to the ability of the tumor cell to degrade its pre-existing extracellular milieu while assembling a tumor specific niche. The main purpose of this study is to determine how TGFβ modifies non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell adhesion and migration through the lymphatic endothelium and to what extent this influences the occurrence of metastasis into the lymph nodes. We have observed that human squamous cell carcinoma (H157) cells treated with TGFβ increase their capacity to adhere and transmigrate through the lymphatic endothelium. These increments were abrogated when cells were treated with TGFβ inhibitors or β3 integrin blocking antibodies or if β3 integrin expression was reduced by specific expression of a shRNA. We have also observed that blockade of β3 integrin ligands: L1-CAM and CD31 on the LEC side partially impedes H157 cell transmigration through endothelial cell monolayers. In addition, our findings showed profound changes in the expression of genes related to ECM deposition and metabolism after TGFβ exposure, such as: collagen I and IV, fibronectin, versican, several MMPs (MMP 2, 3, 10, 11 and 14), ADAMTS (1 and 13) and integrins α2, αv, β1 and β3. In order to provide an in vivo model to translate these results, we have established an H157 cell carcinoma orthotopic mouse model and studied the TGFβ effects and its inhibition in vivo and characterized the role of integrin β3 in tumor progression and in the metastatic process

Función de la proteína mediadora de respuesta a colapsinas 2 (CRMP-2) en cáncer de pulmón no microcítico

Los microtúbulos desarrollan una función importante en procesos celulares tan cruciales como la división celular, la adhesión a sustrato, la migración o el transporte de proteínas y orgánulos. Durante la mitosis, los microtúbulos constituyen el huso mitótico. Debido a su intervención en la división celular, los microtúbulos son dianas moleculares de primera magnitud en las terapias frente al cáncer. En los últimos años se ha descubierto que es esencial la colaboración de las Proteínas Asociadas a Microtúbulos (MAPs) para que los microtúbulos puedan realizar su función correctamente. La familia de las proteínas de respuesta a colapsina o CRMPs constituye un ejemplo de este tipo de moléculas. La proteína mediadora de respuesta a colapsina tipo 2 (CRMP-2) es una proteína adaptadora de tubulina que interacciona con los heterodímeros de tubulina para unirlos a los microtúbulos crecientes, de modo dependiente de su estado de fosforilación. A pesar de su interacción con tubulina, CRMP-2 ha sido descrita fundamentalmente en tejido nervioso. Pensamos que debido a su participación en la dinámica de los microtúbulos, CRMP-2 puede presentar una expresión o regulación diferencial en las células transformadas con respecto a células primarias y con ello contribuir a la progresión tumoral. En concreto en este estudio nos propusimos estudiar la función de CRMP-2 en el contexto de carcinoma pulmonar y nos planteamos los siguientes objetivos: 1- Estudiar la expresión de CRMP-2 en células primarias de epitelio bronquial, células inmortalizadas y células transformadas de pulmón y comparar los niveles de expresión y fosforilación de esta proteína en células normales y transformadas, así como su localización subcelular y co-localización con tubulina. 2- Analizar si las variaciones en el estado de fosforilación de CRMP-2 pueden contribuir a la adquisición de propiedades características de tumores agresivos: mayor proliferación y capacidad de migración. 3- Estudiar la participación de CRMP-2 en la mitosis y evaluar si las alteraciones en su grado de fosforilación afectan a la correcta división de las células tumorales

Estudio de los mecanismos celulares y moleculares implicados en la adhesión y migración de células de carcinoma pulmonar no microcítico inducidas por TGFß

TGFβ plays a dual role in tumorigenesis, acting as a tumor suppressor early in the process, but turning into tumor promoter in late-stage disease. Cancer metastasis is linked to the ability of the tumor cell to degrade its pre-existing extracellular milieu while assembling a tumor specific niche. The main purpose of this study is to determine how TGFβ modifies non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell adhesion and migration through the lymphatic endothelium and to what extent this influences the occurrence of metastasis into the lymph nodes. We have observed that human squamous cell carcinoma (H157) cells treated with TGFβ increase their capacity to adhere and transmigrate through the lymphatic endothelium. These increments were abrogated when cells were treated with TGFβ inhibitors or β3 integrin blocking antibodies or if β3 integrin expression was reduced by specific expression of a shRNA. We have also observed that blockade of β3 integrin ligands: L1-CAM and CD31 on the LEC side partially impedes H157 cell transmigration through endothelial cell monolayers. In addition, our findings showed profound changes in the expression of genes related to ECM deposition and metabolism after TGFβ exposure, such as: collagen I and IV, fibronectin, versican, several MMPs (MMP 2, 3, 10, 11 and 14), ADAMTS (1 and 13) and integrins α2, αv, β1 and β3. In order to provide an in vivo model to translate these results, we have established an H157 cell carcinoma orthotopic mouse model and studied the TGFβ effects and its inhibition in vivo and characterized the role of integrin β3 in tumor progression and in the metastatic process