Melanoma-associated fibroblasts decrease tumor cell susceptibility to NK cell-mediated killing through matrix-metalloproteinases secretion.

ABSTRACT: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a central role in the complex process of tumor-stroma interaction and promote tumor growth. Emerging evidences also suggest that these fibroblasts are involved in the alteration of the anti-tumor immune response by impacting several immune cell populations, especially through their secretion of pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment. However, the underlying immuno-modulating mechanisms triggered by these fibroblasts are still only partially defined. In this study, we provide evidence that melanoma-associated fibroblasts decrease the susceptibility of melanoma tumor cells to NK-mediated lysis through the secretion of active matrix metalloproteinases. This secretion reduces the expression of the two NKG2D ligands

SUBMITTER: Ziani L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5386721 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature