CD27 signaling increases the frequency of regulatory T cells and promotes tumor growth

Cancer Res. 2012 Jul 15;72(14):3664-76. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-11-2791. Epub 2012 May 24.

Abstract

Signaling of the TNF receptor superfamily member CD27 activates costimulatory pathways to elicit T- and B-cell responses. CD27 signaling is regulated by the expression of its ligand CD70 on subsets of dendritic cells and lymphocytes. Here, we analyzed the role of the CD27-CD70 interaction in the immunologic control of solid tumors in Cd27-deficient mice. In tumor-bearing wild-type mice, the CD27-CD70 interaction increased the frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs), reduced tumor-specific T-cell responses, increased angiogenesis, and promoted tumor growth. CD27 signaling reduced apoptosis of Tregs in vivo and induced CD4(+) effector T cells (Teffs) to produce interleukin-2, a key survival factor for Tregs. Consequently, the frequency of Tregs and growth of solid tumors were reduced in Cd27-deficient mice or in wild-type mice treated with monoclonal antibody to block CD27 signaling. Our findings, therefore, provide a novel mechanism by which the adaptive immune system enhances tumor growth and may offer an attractive strategy to treat solid tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD27 Ligand / metabolism
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Interleukin-2 / metabolism
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / blood supply
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / immunology*
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7 / metabolism*

Substances

  • CD27 Ligand
  • Interleukin-2
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7