Mast cells decrease efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy by secreting matrix-degrading granzyme B

Nat Commun. 2017 Aug 16;8(1):269. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-00327-8.

Abstract

Resistance towards VEGF-centered anti-angiogenic therapy still represents a substantial clinical challenge. We report here that mast cells alter the proliferative and organizational state of endothelial cells which reduces the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy. Consequently, absence of mast cells sensitizes tumor vessels for anti-angiogenic therapy in different tumor models. Mechanistically, anti-angiogenic therapy only initially reduces tumor vessel proliferation, however, this treatment effect was abrogated over time as a result of mast cell-mediated restimulation of angiogenesis. We show that mast cells secrete increased amounts of granzyme b upon therapy, which mobilizes pro-angiogenic laminin- and vitronectin-bound FGF-1 and GM-CSF from the tumor matrix. In addition, mast cells also diminish efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy by secretion of FGF-2. These pro-angiogenic factors act beside the targeted VEGFA-VEGFR2-axis and reinduce endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis despite the presence of anti-angiogenic therapy. Importantly, inhibition of mast cell degranulation with cromolyn is able to improve efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy. Thus, concomitant mast cell-targeting might lead to improved efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy.Resistance towards VEGF-centered anti-angiogenic therapy is an important clinical challenge. Here, the authors show that mast cells mediate resistance to anti-angiogenetic inhibitors by altering the proliferative and organizational state of endothelial cells through mobilization of FGF-1 and GM-CSF from the tumor matrix and secretion of FGF-2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cromolyn Sodium / pharmacology
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Matrix / drug effects
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 / drug effects
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 / metabolism
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / drug effects
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / metabolism
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / drug effects
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / metabolism
  • Granzymes / metabolism*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Laminin / metabolism
  • Mast Cells / drug effects
  • Mast Cells / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / drug effects
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / drug effects
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / metabolism
  • Vitronectin / metabolism

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents
  • Laminin
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vitronectin
  • vascular endothelial growth factor A, mouse
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • KDR protein, human
  • Kdr protein, mouse
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2
  • GZMB protein, human
  • Granzymes
  • Gzmb protein, mouse
  • Cromolyn Sodium