GPR4 promotes immune exclusion in colon cancer through LOXL2-mediated extracellular matrix remodeling.

ABSTRACT: Immune exclusion is associated with adverse prognosis in tumors, and this phenomenon may be facilitated by a physical barrier constituted by the extracellular matrix (ECM). Hypoxia and acidity promote immune exclusion, however the detailed mechanism remains unclear. This study demonstrate that G-protein-coupled-receptor-4 (GPR4), as a proton sensor, induces immune exclusion in colon cancer by promoting collagen fiber alignment and deposition. Specifically, GPR4 facilitates collagen alignment via LOXL2 regulation and enhances collagen I by modulating TGF-β, both mediated by the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. We further validate our findings in a male animal model, observing that elevated GPR4 expression in colon cancer results in an immune-excluded microenvironment. Inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 pathwa

SUBMITTER: Bai S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12859139 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature