TGFβ blocks IFNα/β release and tumor rejection in spontaneous mammary tumors

Nat Commun. 2019 Sep 11;10(1):4131. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-11998-w.

Abstract

Type I interferons (IFN) are being rediscovered as potent anti-tumoral agents. Activation of the STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) by DMXAA (5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid) can induce strong production of IFNα/β and rejection of transplanted primary tumors. In the present study, we address whether targeting STING with DMXAA also leads to the regression of spontaneous MMTV-PyMT mammary tumors. We show that these tumors are refractory to DMXAA-induced regression. This is due to a blockade in the phosphorylation of IRF3 and the ensuing IFNα/β production. Mechanistically, we identify TGFβ, which is abundant in spontaneous tumors, as a key molecule limiting this IFN-induced tumor regression by DMXAA. Finally, blocking TGFβ restores the production of IFNα by activated MHCII+ tumor-associated macrophages, and enables tumor regression induced by STING activation. On the basis of these findings, we propose that type I IFN-dependent cancer therapies could be greatly improved by combinations including the blockade of TGFβ.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-3 / metabolism
  • Interferon-alpha / metabolism*
  • Interferon-beta / metabolism*
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Animal / metabolism*
  • Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*
  • Xanthones / pharmacology

Substances

  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-3
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Irf3 protein, mouse
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Xanthones
  • vadimezan
  • Interferon-beta