ZEB1-mediated fibroblast polarization controls inflammation and sensitivity to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer.
EMBO Rep
; 25(8): 3406-3431, 2024 Aug.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38937629
ABSTRACT
The EMT-transcription factor ZEB1 is heterogeneously expressed in tumor cells and in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in colorectal cancer (CRC). While ZEB1 in tumor cells regulates metastasis and therapy resistance, its role in CAFs is largely unknown. Combining fibroblast-specific Zeb1 deletion with immunocompetent mouse models of CRC, we observe that inflammation-driven tumorigenesis is accelerated, whereas invasion and metastasis in sporadic cancers are reduced. Single-cell transcriptomics, histological characterization, and in vitro modeling reveal a crucial role of ZEB1 in CAF polarization, promoting myofibroblastic features by restricting inflammatory activation. Zeb1 deficiency impairs collagen deposition and CAF barrier function but increases NFκB-mediated cytokine production, jointly promoting lymphocyte recruitment and immune checkpoint activation. Strikingly, the Zeb1-deficient CAF repertoire sensitizes to immune checkpoint inhibition, offering a therapeutic opportunity of targeting ZEB1 in CAFs and its usage as a prognostic biomarker. Collectively, we demonstrate that ZEB1-dependent plasticity of CAFs suppresses anti-tumor immunity and promotes metastasis.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Neoplasias Colorretais
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Fibroblastos Associados a Câncer
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Homeobox 1 de Ligação a E-box em Dedo de Zinco
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Imunoterapia
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Inflamação
Limite:
Animals
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
EMBO Rep
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Alemanha