Induction of antiviral genes by the tumor microenvironment confers resistance to virotherapy

Yu Ping Liu, Lukkana Suksanpaisan, Michael B. Steele, Stephen J. Russell, Kah Whye Peng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

Oncolytic viruses obliterate tumor cells in tissue culture but not against the same tumors in vivo. We report that macrophages can induce a powerfully protective antiviral state in ovarian and breast tumors, rendering them resistant to oncolytic virotherapy. These tumors have activated JAK/STAT pathways and expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) is upregulated. Gene expression profiling (GEP) of human primary ovarian and breast tumors confirmed constitutive activation of ISGs. The tumors were heavily infiltrated with CD68+ macrophages. Exposure of OV-susceptible tumor cell lines to conditioned media from RAW264.7 or primary macrophages activated antiviral ISGs, JAK/STAT signaling and an antiviral state. Anti-IFN antibodies and shRNA knockdown studies show that this effect is mediated by an extremely low concentration of macrophage-derived IFNβ. JAK inhibitors reversed the macrophage-induced antiviral state. This study points to a new role for tumor-associated macrophages in the induction of a constitutive antiviral state that shields tumors from viral attack.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2375
JournalScientific reports
Volume3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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