Rapid reversal of interleukin-6-dependent epithelial invasion in a mouse model of microbially induced colon carcinoma

Carcinogenesis. 2007 Dec;28(12):2614-23. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgm180. Epub 2007 Aug 27.

Abstract

Chronic inflammation of mucosal surfaces renders them increasingly susceptible to epithelial cancers both in humans and mice. We have previously shown that anti-inflammatory CD4(+)CD45RB(lo)CD25(+) regulatory (Treg or T(R)) lymphocytes down-regulate inflammation and block development of bacteria-triggered colitis and colorectal cancer (CRC) in 129/SvEv Rag2-/- mice. Interestingly, T(R) cells collected from Interleukin (IL)-10-deficient cell donors not only failed to suppress carcinogenesis but instead promoted invasive mucinous colonic carcinoma with a strong gender bias expressing in male mice. We found we show that peritoneal invasion in this model is dependent on pleiotropic cytokine IL-6. Mucinous carcinoma arose rapidly and consistently after treatment with IL10-/- T(R) cells, which were found to express Foxp3+ and localize throughout tumor tissue. Carcinogenesis was rapidly reversible with transfer of wild type IL10-competent T(R) cells. Likewise, treatment with IL10-Ig fusion protein was sufficient to revert the lesions histologically, and restore inflammatory cytokine and oncogene expression to base line levels. These studies indicate an essential role for IL 6 in this CRC phenotype. Furthermore, immune-competent T(R) cells were important not only for preventing pathology but also for constructive remodeling of bowel following tumorigenic microbial insults. These data provide insights into etiopathogenesis of inflammation-associated epithelial invasion and maintenance of epithelial homeostasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4 Antigens / immunology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / immunology*
  • Colitis / immunology
  • Colitis / microbiology
  • Colitis / pathology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / microbiology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Helicobacter Infections / immunology
  • Helicobacter Infections / metabolism
  • Helicobacter Infections / microbiology*
  • Helicobacter hepaticus
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology
  • Interleukin-6 / immunology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens
  • Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukin-10