Tumor-associated macrophages produce interleukin 6 and signal via STAT3 to promote expansion of human hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) can contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and recurrence after therapy. The presence of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in patients with HCC is associated with poor outcomes. It is not clear whether TAMs interact with CSCs during HCC development. We investigated whether TAMs affect the activities of CSCs in the microenvironment of human HCCs.

Methods

HCCs were collected from 17 patients during surgical resection and single-cell suspensions were analyzed by flow cytometry. CD14(+) TAMs were isolated from the HCC cell suspensions and placed into co-culture with HepG2 or Hep3B cells, and CSC functions were measured. The interleukin 6 (IL6) receptor was blocked with a monoclonal antibody (tocilizumab), and signal

SUBMITTER: Wan S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4253315 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature