Poly(I:C) stimulation is superior than Imiquimod to induce the antitumoral functional profile of tumor-conditioned macrophages.
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ABSTRACT: Macrophage plasticity is the ability of mononuclear phagocytes to change phenotype, function, and genetic reprogramming upon encounter of specific local stimuli. In the tumor microenvironment, Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) acquire an immune-suppressive and tumor-promoting phenotype. With the aim to re-educate TAMs to antitumor effectors, in this study, we used two immunestimulatory compounds: the TLR7 agonist Imiquimod (IMQ) and the TLR3 agonist Poly(I:C). To better mimic in vitro the response of TAMs, we used Tumor-Conditioned Macrophages (TC-M?) differentiated in the presence of tumor cell supernatants. Our results show that TC-M? respond differently from conventional M2-polarized macrophages. Upon stimulation with IMQ, TC-M? did not upregulate major histocompatibility complex (MHC II) molecules and unexpectedly expressed increased CD206. With both compounds, TC-M? produced higher levels of inflammatory cytokines than M2 macrophages. IMQ and Poly(I:C) differed in the types of regulated genes and secreted mediators. Reflecting their signaling pathways, only IMQ significantly induced IL-1? and IL-6, while only Poly(I:C) stimulated CXCL10, and both upregulated CCL5. Of note, using a novel cytotoxicity assay, Poly(I:C), but not IMQ, was effective in triggering the cytotoxic activity of TC-M? against cancer cells. Overall, the results demonstrate that Poly(I:C) stimulation of TC-M? is superior than IMQ in terms of macrophage re-education toward antitumor effectors.
SUBMITTER: Maeda A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6563448 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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