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Immunofibroblasts are pivotal drivers of tertiary lymphoid structure formation and local pathology.

ABSTRACT: Resident fibroblasts at sites of infection, chronic inflammation, or cancer undergo phenotypic and functional changes to support leukocyte migration and, in some cases, aggregation into tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). The molecular programming that shapes these changes and the functional requirements of this population in TLS development are unclear. Here, we demonstrate that external triggers at mucosal sites are able to induce the progressive differentiation of a population of podoplanin (pdpn)-positive stromal cells into a network of immunofibroblasts that are able to support the earliest phases of TLS establishment. This program of events, that precedes lymphocyte infiltration in the tissue, is mediated by paracrine and autocrine signals mainly regulated by IL13. This initial fibroblast network is expanded and stabilized, once lymphocytes are recruited, by the local production of the cytokines IL22 and lymphotoxin. Interfering with this regulated program of events or depleting the immunofibroblasts in vivo results in abrogation of local pathology, demonstrating the functional role of immunofibroblasts in supporting TLS maintenance in the tissue and suggesting novel therapeutic targets in TLS-associated diseases.

SUBMITTER: Nayar S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6613169 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Immunofibroblasts are pivotal drivers of tertiary lymphoid structure formation and local pathology.

Nayar Saba S Campos Joana J Smith Charlotte G CG Iannizzotto Valentina V Gardner David H DH Mourcin Frédéric F Roulois David D Turner Jason J Sylvestre Marvin M Asam Saba S Glaysher Bridget B Bowman Simon J SJ Fearon Douglas T DT Filer Andrew A Tarte Karin K Luther Sanjiv A SA Fisher Benjamin A BA Buckley Christopher D CD Coles Mark C MC Barone Francesca F

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20190618 27

Resident fibroblasts at sites of infection, chronic inflammation, or cancer undergo phenotypic and functional changes to support leukocyte migration and, in some cases, aggregation into tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). The molecular programming that shapes these changes and the functional requirements of this population in TLS development are unclear. Here, we demonstrate that external triggers at mucosal sites are able to induce the progressive differentiation of a population of podoplanin ( ...[more]

PMID: 31213547

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Project description:Background and aims: Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are formed in many cancer types and have been correlated with better prognosis and response to immunotherapy. In liver cancer, TLSs have been reported to be pro-tumorigenic as they harbor tumor progenitor cells and nurture their growth. The processes involved in TLS development and the acquisition of a pro- or anti-tumorigenic phenotype in cancer are largely unknown. RORc expressing immune cells have been previously implicated in TLS formation, however, their role in TLS development in the context of inflammation-associated liver cancer remains unexplored. Methods: IKKβ(EE)Hep mice, exhibiting chronic liver inflammation and TLS formation followed by liver cancer, were crossed with RORc knockout mice to explore the effect of RORc on TLS and tumor formation. Transcriptional, proteomic and immunohistochemical techniques were used to analyze TLS phenotypes. CD4, CD8 and B cell depletions were used to analyze their contribution to liver TLS and tumor formation. Results: RORc expressing cells were detected within TLSs of both human patients and mice which develop intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In mice, RORc expressing cells negatively regulate TLS formation, since in their absence TLSs form in excess. CD4 cells are essential for liver TLS formation whereas B cells are required for TLS formation specifically in the absence of RORc expressing cells. Importantly, in chronically inflamed livers lacking RORc expressing cells, TLSs become anti-tumorigenic, resulting in reduced tumor load. Comparing liver pro- and anti-tumorigenic TLSs, revealed enrichment of exhausted CD8 cells that retained effector functions, as well as germinal center B cells and plasma cells in anti-tumorigenic TLSs. Cell depletion experiments revealed a role mainly for B cells in limiting tumor development, possibly via tumor-directed antibodies. Conclusions: RORc expressing cells negatively regulate B cell responses, and facilitate the pro-tumorigenic functions of hepatic TLSs.

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Immunofibroblasts are pivotal drivers of tertiary lymphoid structure formation and local pathology.

Publications

Immunofibroblasts are pivotal drivers of tertiary lymphoid structure formation and local pathology.

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