Cholangiocarcinoma stem-like subset shapes tumor-initiating niche by educating associated macrophages.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

A therapeutically challenging subset of cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) clinical severity. Presence of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) has prognostic significance in CCA and other malignancies. Thus, we hypothesized that CSCs may actively shape their tumor-supportive immune niche.

Methods

CCA cells were cultured in 3D conditions to generate spheres. CCA sphere analysis of in vivo tumorigenic-engraftment in immune-deficient mice and molecular characterization was performed. The in vitro and in vivo effect of CCA spheres on macrophage precursors was tested after culturing healthy donor cluster of differentiation (CD)14⁺ with CCA-sphere conditioned medium.

Results

CCA spheres engrafted i

SUBMITTER: Raggi C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5522599 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature