An innate IL-25-ILC2-MDSC axis creates a cancer-permissive microenvironment for Apc mutation-driven intestinal tumorigenesis

Sci Immunol. 2022 Jun 3;7(72):eabn0175. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abn0175. Epub 2022 Jun 3.

Abstract

Interleukin-25 (IL-25) and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) defend the host against intestinal helminth infection and are associated with inappropriate allergic reactions. IL-33-activated ILC2s were previously found to augment protective tissue-specific pancreatic cancer immunity. Here, we showed that intestinal IL-25-activated ILC2s created an innate cancer-permissive microenvironment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with higher tumor IL25 expression had reduced survival and increased IL-25R-expressing tumor-resident ILC2s and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) associated with impaired antitumor responses. Ablation of IL-25 signaling reduced tumors, virtually doubling life expectancy in an Apc mutation-driven model of spontaneous intestinal tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, IL-25 promoted intratumoral ILC2s, which sustained tumor-infiltrating MDSCs to suppress antitumor immunity. Therapeutic antibody-mediated blockade of IL-25 signaling decreased intratumoral ILC2s, MDSCs, and adenoma/adenocarcinoma while increasing antitumor adaptive T cell and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-mediated immunity. Thus, the roles of innate epithelium-derived cytokines IL-25 and IL-33 as well as ILC2s in cancer cannot be generalized. The protumoral nature of the IL-25-ILC2 axis in CRC highlights this pathway as a potential therapeutic target against CRC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein / genetics*
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukin-33* / genetics
  • Lymphocytes
  • Mutation
  • Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells*
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • APC protein, human
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein
  • Interleukin-17
  • Interleukin-33