Photoreceptor degeneration, structural remodeling and glial activation: a morphological study on a genetic mouse model for pericyte deficiency

Roles of growth factors in eye development and ophthalmic diseases

Growth factors are active substances secreted by a variety of cells, which act as messengers to regulate cell migration, proliferation and differentiation. Many growth factors are involved in the eye development or the pathophysiological processes of eye diseases. Growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor mediate the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy, choroidal neovascularization, cataract, diabetic macular edema, and other retinal diseases. On the other hand, growth factors like nerve growth factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, pigment epithelial-derived factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor are known to promote optic nerve injury repair. Growth factors are also related to the pathogenesis of myopia. Fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor-β, and insulin-like growth factor regulate scleral thickness and influence the occurrence and development of myopia. This article reviews growth factors involved in ocular development and ocular pathophysiology, discusses the relationship between growth factors and ocular diseases, to provide reference for the application of growth factors in ophthalmology.

Drinking hydrogen water improves photoreceptor structure and function in retinal degeneration 6 mice

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous group of inherited retinal disorders involving the progressive dysfunction of photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium, for which there is currently no treatment. The rd6 mouse is a natural model of autosomal recessive retinal degeneration. Given the known contributions of oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and selective inhibition of potent ROS peroxynitrite and OH·by H₂ gas we have previously demonstrated, we hypothesized that ingestion of H₂ water may delay the progression of photoreceptor death in rd6 mice. H₂ mice showed significantly higher retinal thickness as compared to controls on optical coherence tomography. Histopathological and morphometric analyses revealed higher thickness of the outer nuclear layer for H₂ mice than controls, as well as higher counts of opsin red/green-positive cells. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of differentially expressed genes in the H₂ group versus control group revealed 1996 genes with significantly different expressions. Gene and pathway ontology analysis showed substantial upregulation of genes responsible for phototransduction in H₂ mice. Our results show that drinking water high in H₂ (1.2-1.6 ppm) had neuroprotective effects and inhibited photoreceptor death in mice, and suggest the potential of H₂ for the treatment of RP.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles protect retina in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa by anti-inflammation through miR-146a-Nr4a3 axis

Background

Retinitis pigmentosa is a rod-cone degenerative disease that induces irreversible vision loss. This study probed the protective capacity of mesenchymal stem cell-derived small EVs (MSC-EVs) on the retinas of rd10 mice and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

MSC-EVs were injected into the vitreous of rd10 mice at postnatal day 14 and P21; morphology and function were examined at P28. The mechanism of action was explored by using co-culture of photoreceptor cell line 661 W and microglia cell line BV2.

Results

Treatment with MSC-EVs increased the survival of photoreceptors and preserved their structure. Visual function, as reflected by optomotor and electroretinogram responses, was significantly enhanced in MSC-EVs-treated rd10 mice. Mechanistically, staining for Iba1, GFAP, F4/80, CD68 and CD206 showed that MSC-EVs suppressed the activation of microglial, Müller glial and macrophages. Furthermore, western blotting showed that the treatment inhibited the NF-κB pathway. RNA-seq and qPCR showed that MSC-EVs upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokines while downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. MSC-EVs application in vitro decreased the number of TUNEL-positive 661 W cells co-cultured with LPS-stimulated BV2, with similar impact on the cytokine expression as in vivo study. Genetic screening predicted miR-146a to be the downstream target of MSC-EVs, which was detected in MSC-EVs and upregulated in co-cultured 661 W cells and BV2 cells after MSC-EVs treatment. Upregulation of miR-146a by using its mimic decreased the expression of the transcription factor Nr4a3, and its downregulation inhibition promoted Nr4a3 expression in both 661 W and BV2 cells. Nr4a3 was further identified as the target gene of miR-146a by dual-luciferase assay. Furthermore, overexpressing miR-146a significantly decreased the expression of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines in BV2 cells.

Conclusions

MSC-EVs delays retinal degeneration in rd10 mice mainly by its anti-inflammatory effect via the miR-146a-Nr4a3axis. Hence, MSC-EVs may be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03100-x.

Central Nervous System Pericytes Contribute to Health and Disease

Successful neuroprotection is only possible with contemporary microvascular protection. The prevention of disease-induced vascular modifications that accelerate brain damage remains largely elusive. An improved understanding of pericyte (PC) signalling could provide important insight into the function of the neurovascular unit (NVU), and into the injury-provoked responses that modify cell–cell interactions and crosstalk. Due to sharing the same basement membrane with endothelial cells, PCs have a crucial role in the control of endothelial, astrocyte, and oligodendrocyte precursor functions and hence blood–brain barrier stability. Both cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases impair oxygen delivery and functionally impair the NVU. In this review, the role of PCs in central nervous system health and disease is discussed, considering their origin, multipotency, functions and also dysfunction, focusing on new possible avenues to modulate neuroprotection. Dysfunctional PC signalling could also be considered as a potential biomarker of NVU pathology, allowing us to individualize therapeutic interventions, monitor responses, or predict outcomes.

Lutein delays photoreceptor degeneration in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a retinal disease characterized by photoreceptor degeneration. There is currently no effective treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. Although a mixture of lutein and other antioxidant agents has shown promising effects in protecting the retina from degeneration, the role of lutein alone remains unclear. In this study, we administered intragastric lutein to Pde6b^rd10 model mice, which display degeneration of retinal photoreceptors, on postnatal days 17 (P17) to P25, when rod apoptosis reaches peak. Lutein at the optimal protective dose of 200 mg/kg promoted the survival of photoreceptors compared with vehicle control. Lutein increased rhodopsin expression in rod cells and opsin expression in cone cells, in line with an increased survival rate of photoreceptors. Functionally, lutein improved visual behavior, visual acuity, and retinal electroretinogram responses in Pde6b^rd10 mice. Mechanistically, lutein reduced the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in Müller glial cells. The results of this study confirm the ability of lutein to postpone photoreceptor degeneration by reducing reactive gliosis of Müller cells in the retina and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. This study was approved by the Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee of Jinan University (approval No. LACUC-20181217-02) on December 17, 2018.

The Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches of Diabetic Neuropathy in the Retina

Diabetic retinopathy is a major retinal disease and a leading cause of blindness in the world. Diabetic retinopathy is a neurovascular disease that is associated with disturbances of the interdependent relationship of cells composed of the neurovascular units, i.e., neurons, glial cells, and vascular cells. An impairment of these neurovascular units causes both neuronal and vascular abnormalities in diabetic retinopathy. More specifically, neuronal abnormalities including neuronal cell death and axon degeneration are irreversible changes that are directly related to the vision reduction in diabetic patients. Thus, establishment of neuroprotective and regenerative therapies for diabetic neuropathy in the retina is an emergent task for preventing the blindness of patients with diabetic retinopathy. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of the neuronal abnormalities in diabetic retina including glial abnormalities, neuronal cell death, and axon degeneration. The possible molecular cell death pathways and intrinsic survival and regenerative pathways are also described. In addition, therapeutic approaches for diabetic neuropathy in the retina both in vitro and in vivo are presented. This review should be helpful for providing clues to overcome the barriers for establishing neuroprotection and regeneration of diabetic neuropathy in the retina.

Luteolin delays photoreceptor degeneration in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa

Luteolin is neuroprotective for retinal ganglion cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells after oxidative injury, whereby it can inhibit microglial neurotoxicity. Therefore, luteolin holds the potential to be useful for treatment of retinal diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether luteolin exhibits neuroprotective effects on rod cells in rd10 mice, a slow photoreceptor-degenerative model of retinitis pigmentosa. Luteolin (100 mg/kg) intraperitoneally injected daily from postnatal day 14 (P14) to P25 significantly enhanced the visual performance and retinal light responses of rd10 mice at P25. Moreover, it increased the survival of photoreceptors and improved retinal structure. Mechanistically, luteolin treatment attenuated increases in reactive oxygen species, photoreceptor apoptosis, and reactive gliosis; increased mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines while lowering that of pro-inflammatory and chemoattractant cytokines; and lowered the ratio of phospho-JNK/JNK. Application of the JNK inhibitor SP600125 exerted a similar protective effect to luteolin, suggesting that luteolin delays photoreceptor degeneration and functional deterioration in rd10 mice through regulation of retinal oxidation and inflammation by inhibiting the JNK pathway. Therefore, luteolin may be useful as a supplementary treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. This study was approved by the Qualified Ethics Committee of Jinan University, China (approval No. IACUC-20181217-02) on December 17, 2018.

Proinflammatory and angiogenesis-related cytokines in vitreous samples of highly myopic patients

PURPOSE

To determine the concentrations of vitreous proinflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis-related growth cytokines in highly myopic (HM) patients and controls.

METHODS

Vitreous humor (VH) was obtained from patients during vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), myopic retinoschisis (MRS), idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM), or macular hole (MH). High myopia was defined as an axial length (AL) of ≥26.0 mm and a spherical equivalent refractive error more negative than -6.0 D. A multiplex fluorescent-bead-based immunoassay was employed to measure the levels of 29 designated cytokines. The results were compared across groups.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight VH samples were collected from 78 patients (36 HM versus 42 controls). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly higher in the VH samples from HM patients than in those from the controls. Five inflammation-related factors, interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 6 (IL6), IFN-γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10), eotaxin, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), were significantly higher in the HM group than in the control group. The vitreous concentrations of well-known angiogenic growth factors monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) and IL5 were significantly elevated in the VH samples from HM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Proinflammatory cytokines and angiogenic growth factors were elevated in the VH of HM patients, suggesting that an elevated inflammatory status and higher levels of angiogenic factors are present in eyes with HM.

Revisiting the role of Dcc in visual system development with a novel eye clearing method

The Deleted in Colorectal Carcinoma (Dcc) receptor plays a critical role in optic nerve development. Whilst Dcc is expressed postnatally in the eye, its function remains unknown as Dcc knockouts die at birth. To circumvent this drawback, we generated an eye-specific Dcc mutant. To study the organization of the retina and visual projections in these mice, we also established EyeDISCO, a novel tissue clearing protocol that removes melanin allowing 3D imaging of whole eyes and visual pathways. We show that in the absence of Dcc, some ganglion cell axons stalled at the optic disc, whereas others perforated the retina, separating photoreceptors from the retinal pigment epithelium. A subset of visual axons entered the CNS, but these projections are perturbed. Moreover, Dcc-deficient retinas displayed a massive postnatal loss of retinal ganglion cells and a large fraction of photoreceptors. Thus, Dcc is essential for the development and maintenance of the retina.

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB promotes proliferation and migration of retinal microvascular pericytes by up-regulating the expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor types 4

Stromal cell-derived growth factor (SDF)-1α acts as a ligand to C-X-C chemokine receptors 4 (CXCR4) and 7 (CXCR7), which are involved in the formation of choroidal neovascularization. Previous studies have demonstrated crosstalk between the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB/PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-β and SDF-1α/CXCR4 axes during tumor neovascularization by increasing the recruitment of pericytes. However, the effects of interactions between these two signaling pathways in retinal microvascular pericytes remain poorly understood. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR were used to measure CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression in PDGF-BB-treated pericytes, whilst Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell migration assays were used to investigate cell viability and migration following PDGF-BB pretreatment on SDF-1α-treated pericytes. Exogenous PDGF-BB enhanced CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression through PDGFR-β in a dose- and time-dependent manners. In addition, PDGF-BB increased cell viability and migration in SDF-1α-treated pericytes, which were inhibited by AMD3100 and niclosamide, inhibitors for CXCR4 and STAT3 respectively. Crosstalk between PDGF-BB/PDGFR-β and SDF-1α/CXCR4/CXCR7 were involved in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. PDGF-BB treatment enhanced CXCR4, CXCR7 and PDGFR-βexpression, which may be associated with the phosphorylation of STAT3. siRNA-PDGFR-β transfection reduced CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression in pericytes. Therefore, PDGF-BB directly targets PDGFR-β and serves an important role in regulating CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression, ultimately affecting viability and migration in SDF-1α-treated pericytes. Therefore, targeting CXCR4/CXCR7 may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for fundus diseases.

Rewiring the Regenerated Zebrafish Retina: Reemergence of Bipolar Neurons and Cone-Bipolar Circuitry Following an Inner Retinal Lesion

We previously reported strikingly normal morphologies and functional connectivities of regenerated retinal bipolar neurons (BPs) in zebrafish retinas sampled 60 days after a ouabain-mediated lesion of inner retinal neurons (60 DPI) (McGinn et al., 2018). Here we report early steps in the birth of BPs and formation of their dendritic trees and axonal arbors during regeneration. Adult zebrafish were subjected to ouabain-mediated lesion that destroys inner retinal neurons but spares photoreceptors and Müller glia, and were sampled at 13, 17, and 21 DPI, a timeframe over which plexiform layers reemerge. We show that this timeframe corresponds to reemergence of two populations of BPs (PKCα+ and nyx::mYFP+). Sequential BrdU, EdU incorporation reveals that similar fractions of PKCα+ BPs and HuC/D+ amacrine/ganglion cells are regenerated concurrently, suggesting that the sequence of neuronal production during retinal regeneration does not strictly match that observed during embryonic development. Further, accumulation of regenerated BPs appears protracted, at least through 21 DPI. The existence of isolated, nyx::mYFP+ BPs allowed examination of cytological detail through confocal microscopy, image tracing, morphometric analyses, identification of cone synaptic contacts, and rendering/visualization. Apically-projecting neurites (=dendrites) of regenerated BPs sampled at 13, 17, and 21 DPI are either truncated, or display smaller dendritic trees when compared to controls. In cases where BP dendrites reach the outer plexiform layer (OPL), numbers of dendritic tips are similar to those of controls at all sampling times. Further, by 13-17 DPI, BPs with dendritic tips reaching the outer nuclear layer (ONL) show patterns of photoreceptor connections that are statistically indistinguishable from controls, while those sampled at 21 DPI slightly favor contacts with double cone synaptic terminals over those of blue-sensitive cones. These findings suggest that once regenerated BP dendrites reach the OPL, normal photoreceptor connectomes are established, albeit with some plasticity. Through 17 DPI, some basally-projecting neurites (=axons) of regenerated nyx::mYFP+ BPs traverse long distances, branch into inappropriate layers, or appear to abruptly terminate. These findings suggest that, after a tissue-disrupting lesion, regeneration of inner retinal neurons is a dynamic process that includes ongoing genesis of new neurons and changes in BP morphology.

The pericyte secretome: Potential impact on regeneration

Personalized and regenerative medicine is an emerging therapeutic strategy that is based on cell biology and biomedical engineering used to develop biological substitutes to maintain normal function or restore damaged tissues and organs. The secretory capacities of different cell types are now explored as such possible therapeutic regenerative agents in a variety of diseases. A secretome can comprise chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, but also extracellular matrix components, microvesicles and exosomes as well as genetic material and may differ depending on the tissue and the stimulus applied to the cell. With regard to clinical applications, the secretome of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is currently the most widely explored. However, other cell types such as pericytes may have similar properties as MSC and the potential therapeutic possibilities of these cells are only just beginning to emerge. In this review, we will summarize the currently available data describing the secretome of pericytes and its potential implications for tissue regeneration, whereby we especially focus on brain pericytes as potential new target cell for neuroregeneration and brain repair.

Pericyte Secretome

The role of pericytes seems to extend beyond their known function in angiogenesis, fibrosis and wound healing, blood-brain barrier maintenance, and blood flow regulation. More and more data are currently accumulating indicating that pericytes, uniquely positioned at the interface between blood and parenchyma, secrete a large plethora of different molecules in response to microenvironmental changes. Their secretome is tissue-specific and stimulus-specific and includes pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, growth factors, and extracellular matrix as well as microvesicles suggesting the important role of pericytes in the regulation of immune response and immune evasion of tumors. However, the angiogenic and trophic secretome of pericytes indicates that their secretome plays a role in physiological homeostasis but possibly also in disease progression or could be exploited for regenerative processes in the future. This book chapter summarizes the current data on the secretory properties of pericytes from different tissues in response to certain pathological stimuli such as inflammatory stimuli, hypoxia, high glucose, and others and thereby aims to provide insights into the possible role of pericytes in these conditions.

Progressive loss of retinal blood vessels in a live model of retinitis pigmentosa

OBJECTIVE

To assess retinal blood vessels in a live retinitis pigmentosa (RP) model with rd1 mutation and green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed in vascular endothelium.

METHODS

Homozygous (hm) Tie2-GFP mice with rd1 mutation and known retinal degeneration were crossed with wild-type CD1 mice to generate control heterozygous (ht) Tie2-GFP mice. The retinas of 16 live hm mice were evaluated at 2 weeks and 3, 5, and 8 months of age, and compared with age-matched control ht and CD1 mice by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO). Fluorescence intensity was measured and compared between strains at 3, 5, and 8 months. In vivo findings were validated by immunostaining with collagen IV and isolectin histopathology.

RESULTS

All hm Tie2-GFP mice showed progressive outer retinal degeneration by OCT. Loss of small branches of blood vessels and then larger main vessels was seen by cSLO. Retinal tissue and vessels were preserved in control ht mice. At all ages, measurements of fluorescence intensity were reduced in hm compared with ht mice (p < 0.001). In all strains, intensity at 8 months was reduced compared with 3 months (p < 0.001) and 5 months (p = 0.021). Histopathological studies confirmed in vivo findings and revealed a pattern of blood vessel regression in the deep plexus, followed by intermediate and superficial retinal plexuses.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first evidence of progressive loss of retinal blood vessels in a live mouse model of RP. These findings may be highly relevant to understanding retinal degeneration in RP to prevent blindness.

Alterations to the Foveal Cone Mosaic of Diabetic Patients

Purpose

We measured localized changes occurring in the foveal cone photoreceptors and related defects in the cone mosaic to alterations in the nearby retinal vasculature.

Methods

The central 4° of the retina of 54 diabetic (53.7 ± 12.5 years) and 85 control (35.8 ± 15.2 years) participants were imaged with the Indiana adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Foveal cones and overlying retinal capillaries were imaged and infrared scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (IR SLO) images and optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scans were obtained. Follow-up imaging sessions were performed with intervals from 4 to 50 months for 22 of the 54 diabetic participants.

Results

The foveal cone mosaics of 49 of 54 diabetic participants were of sufficient quality to assess the absence or presence of small localized defects in the cone mosaic. In 13 of these 49 diabetic participants we found localized defects, visualized as sharp-edged areas of cones with diminished reflectivity. These small, localized areas ranged in size from 10 × 10 μm to 75 × 30 μm. Of these 13 participants with cone defects, 11 were imaged over periods from 4 to 50 months and the defects remained relatively stable. These dark regions were not shadows of overlying retinal vessels, but all participants with these localized defects had alterations in the juxtafoveal capillary network.

Conclusions

The foveal cone mosaic can show localized areas of dark cones that persist over time, that apparently correspond to either missing or nonreflecting cones, and may be related to local retinal ischemia.

The Importance of Pericytes in Healing: Wounds and other Pathologies

Much of current research investigates the beneficial properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a treatment for wounds and other forms of injury. In this review, we bring attention to and discuss the role of the pericyte, a cell type which shares much of the differentiation potential and regenerative properties of the MSC as well as specific roles in the regulation of angiogenesis, inflammation and fibrosis. Pericytes have been identified as dysfunctional or depleted in many disease states, and observing the outcomes of pericyte perturbation in models of disease and wound healing informs our understanding of overall pericyte function and identifies these cells as an important target in the development of therapies to encourage healing.

Human neural progenitor cells decrease photoreceptor degeneration, normalize opsin distribution and support synapse structure in cultured porcine retina

Retinal neurodegenerative disorders like retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment decrease retinal functionality leading to visual impairment. The pathological events are characterized by photoreceptor degeneration, synaptic disassembly, remodeling of postsynaptic neurons and activation of glial cells. Despite intense research, no effective treatment has been found for these disorders. The current study explores the potential of human neural progenitor cell (hNPC) derived factors to slow the degenerative processes in adult porcine retinal explants. Retinas were cultured for 3 days with or without hNPCs as a feeder layer and investigated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), immunohistochemical, western blot and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) techniques. TUNEL showed that hNPCs had the capacity to limit photoreceptor cell death. Among cone photoreceptors, hNPC coculture resulted in better maintenance of cone outer segments and reduced opsin mislocalization. Additionally, maintained synaptic structural integrity and preservation of second order calbindin positive horizontal cells was also observed. However, Müller cell gliosis only seemed to be alleviated in terms of reduced Müller cell density. Our observations indicate that at 3 days of coculture, hNPC derived factors had the capacity to protect photoreceptors, maintain synaptic integrity and support horizontal cell survival. Human neural progenitor cell applied treatment modalities may be an effective strategy to help maintain retinal functionality in neurodegenerative pathologies. Whether hNPCs can independently hinder Müller cell gliosis by utilizing higher concentrations or by combination with other pharmacological agents still needs to be determined.

Brain and Retinal Pericytes: Origin, Function and Role

Pericytes are specialized mural cells located at the abluminal surface of capillary blood vessels, embedded within the basement membrane. In the vascular network these multifunctional cells fulfil diverse functions, which are indispensable for proper homoeostasis. They serve as microvascular stabilizers, are potential regulators of microvascular blood flow and have a central role in angiogenesis, as they for example regulate endothelial cell proliferation. Furthermore, pericytes, as part of the neurovascular unit, are a major component of the blood-retina/brain barrier. CNS pericytes are a heterogenic cell population derived from mesodermal and neuro-ectodermal germ layers acting as modulators of stromal and niche environmental properties. In addition, they display multipotent differentiation potential making them an intriguing target for regenerative therapies. Pericyte-deficiencies can be cause or consequence of many kinds of diseases. In diabetes, for instance, pericyte-loss is a severe pathological process in diabetic retinopathy (DR) with detrimental consequences for eye sight in millions of patients. In this review, we provide an overview of our current understanding of CNS pericyte origin and function, with a special focus on the retina in the healthy and diseased. Finally, we highlight the role of pericytes in de- and regenerative processes.

Role of Tumor Pericytes in the Recruitment of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

BACKGROUND

Pericytes are members of the tumor stroma; however, little is known about their origin, function, or interaction with other tumor components. Emerging evidence suggest that pericytes may regulate leukocyte transmigration. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are immature myeloid cells with powerful inhibitory effects on T-cell-mediated antitumor reactivity.

METHODS

We generated subcutaneous tumors in a genetic mouse model of pericyte deficiency (the pdgfb (ret/ret) mouse) and littermate control mice (n = 6-25). Gene expression profiles from 253 breast cancer patients (stage I-III) were evaluated for clinic-pathological parameters and survival using Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) based on a two-sided Wald test.

RESULTS

We report that pericyte deficiency leads to increased transmigration of Gr1(+)/CD11b(+) cells in experimentally induced tumors. Pericyte deficiency produced defective tumor vasculature, resulting in a more hypoxic microenvironment promoting IL-6 upregulation in the malignant cells. Silencing IL-6 expression in tumor cells attenuated the observed differences in MDSC transmigration. Restoring the pericyte coverage in tumors abrogated the increased MDSC trafficking to pericyte-deficient tumors. MDSC accumulation in tumors led to increases in tumor growth and in circulating malignant cells. Finally, gene expression analysis from human breast cancer patients revealed increased expression of the human MDSC markers CD33 and S100A9 with concomitant decreased expression of pericyte genes and was associated with poor prognosis (HR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.08 to 3.25, P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data uncovers a novel paracrine interaction between tumor pericytes and inflammatory cells and delineates the cellular events resulting in the recruitment of MDSC to tumors. Furthermore, we propose for the first time a role for tumor pericytes in modulating the expression of immune mediators in malignant cells by promoting a hypoxic microenvironment.