Cell circuits between leukemic cells and mesenchymal stem cells block lymphopoiesis by activating lymphotoxin-beta receptor signaling
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ABSTRACT: Acute lymphoblastic and myeloblastic leukemias (ALL and AML) have been known to modify the bone marrow microenvironment and disrupt non-malignant hematopoiesis. However, the molecular mechanisms driving these alterations remain poorly defined. Here we show that leukemic cells turn-off lymphopoiesis and erythropoiesis shortly after colonizing the bone marrow. ALL and AML cells express lymphotoxin-a1b2 and activate LTbR signaling in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which turns off IL7 production and prevents non-malignant lymphopoiesis. Genetic or pharmacologic disruption of LTbR signaling in MSCs restores lymphopoiesis but not erythropoiesis, reduces leukemic cell growth, and extends survival of transplant recipients significantly. These studies demonstrate that acute leukemias exploit physiological mechanisms governing hematopoietic output as a strategy for gaining competitive advantage. Our studies also reveal that disrupting the cross-talk between leukemia cells and bone marrow niche cells, and specifically the LTbR pathway, offers new therapeutic opportunities.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE221243 | GEO | 2023/01/02
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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