Monocytes/macrophages support mammary tumor invasivity by co-secreting lineage-specific EGFR ligands and a STAT3 activator.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) promote malignant progression, yet the repertoire of oncogenic factors secreted by TAM has not been clearly defined. We sought to analyze which EGFR- and STAT3-activating factors are secreted by monocytes/macrophages exposed to tumor cell-secreted factors.

Methods

Following exposure of primary human monocytes and macrophages to supernatants of a variety of tumor cell lines, we have analyzed transcript and secreted protein levels of EGFR family ligands and of STAT3 activators. To validate our findings, we have analyzed TAM infiltration levels, systemic and local protein levels as well as clinical data of primary breast cancer patients.

Results

Primary human monocytes and macrophages respond to tumor cell-derived factors by

SUBMITTER: Vlaicu P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3648435 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature