IL-12 suppresses vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 expression on tumor vessels by two distinct IFN-gamma-dependent mechanisms.
IL-12 has been shown to be effective in enhancing antitumor responses. However, how IL-12 exerts its antiangiogenic effect is largely unknown. In this study, we elucidate this mechanism using B16 transfected to express IL-12 (B16/IL-12), a system that provides constant, local production of IL-12 within the tumor microenvironment. Intratumoral IL-12 resulted in a significant delay in tumor growth and phenotypic changes in the vasculature. Vessels found within B16 tumors are chaotic and poorly formed and express vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3), a growth factor receptor not expressed on normal adult vessels. However, the vessels within B16/IL-12 tumors have a more normal morphology and do not express VEGFR3. We have shown that IFN-gamma is required for IL-12 to suppress the aberrant expression of VEGFR3. Indeed, the presence of intratumoral IL-12 stimulates the immune system resulting in more IFN-gamma-producing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes per tumor when compared with parental B16 tumors, which may have a marked effect on control of tumor growth. Interestingly, within B16/IL-12 tumors, T cells are necessary to suppress VEGFR3 expression on tumor vessels. Finally, using IFN-gamma receptor knockout mice in a bone marrow chimera system, we show that the IFN-gamma produced within the tumor suppresses VEGFR3 expression in two ways: 1) acting directly on tumor vessel endothelial cells, and 2) acting on the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to indirectly alter endothelial cells' VEGFR3 expression. Our data indicate a mechanism in which tumor-infiltrating immune cells regulate tumor vessel phenotype.
Sorensen
Elizabeth W
EW
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
Gerber
Scott A
SA
Frelinger
John G
JG
Lord
Edith M
EM
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000276:immunology; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000276:immunology*; D006131:Growth Inhibitors / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology*; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology*; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology*; D016246:Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008546:Melanoma, Experimental / Q000098:blood supply / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008819:Mice, Nude; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D040321:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D006131:Growth Inhibitors; D018664:Interleukin-12; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D040321:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3