Thymic stromal lymphopoietin is a key mediator of breast cancer progression.

Abstract

Inflammation is a double-edged sword that can promote or suppress cancer progression. In this study, we report that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an IL-7-like type 1 inflammatory cytokine that is often associated with the induction of Th2-type allergic responses in the lungs, is also expressed in human and murine cancers. Our studies with murine cancer cells indicate that TSLP plays an essential role in cancer escape, as its inactivation in cancer cells alone was sufficient to almost completely abrogate cancer progression and lung metastasis. The cancer-promoting activity of TSLP primarily required signaling through the TSLP receptor on CD4(+) T cells, promoting Th2-skewed immune responses and production of immunosuppressive factors such as IL-10 and IL-13. Expression of TSLP therefore may be a useful prognostic marker, and its targeting could have therapeutic potential.

• Authors: Purevdorj B Olkhanud, Yrina Rochman, Monica Bodogai, Enkhzol Malchinkhuu, Katarzyna Wejksza, Mai Xu, Ronald E Gress, Charles Hesdorffer, Warren J Leonard, Arya Biragyn
• Journal: Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) (J Immunol) Vol. 186 Issue 10 Pg. 5656-62 (May 15 2011) ISSN: 1550-6606 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21490155 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural)

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• Interleukin-13
• RNA, Small Interfering
• Interleukin-10
• Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin

Topics

• Animals
• Breast Neoplasms (immunology, pathology)
• CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes (immunology, metabolism)
• Cytokines (genetics, metabolism)
• Disease Progression
• Female
• Humans
• Inflammation (immunology, metabolism)
• Interleukin-10 (immunology, metabolism)
• Interleukin-13 (immunology, metabolism)
• Lung Neoplasms (secondary)
• Mammary Neoplasms, Animal (immunology, metabolism, pathology)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Mice, Inbred C57BL
• Mice, Transgenic
• RNA Interference
• RNA, Small Interfering
• Th2 Cells (immunology)
• Tumor Escape
• Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin