Search

In glioblastoma (GBM), tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) represent up to one half of the cells of the tumor mass, including both infiltrating macrophages and resident brain microglia. In an effort to delineate the temporal and spatial dynamics of TAM composition during gliomagenesis, we used genetically engineered and GL261-induced mouse models in combination with CX3CR1GFP/WT;CCR2RFP/WT double knock-in mice. Using this approach, we demonstrated that CX3CR1LoCCR2Hi monocytes were recruited to the GBM, where they transitioned to CX3CR1HiCCR2Lo macrophages and CX3CR1HiCCR2− microglia-like cells. Infiltrating macrophages/monocytes constituted approximately 85% of the total TAM population, with resident microglia accounting for the approximately 15% remaining. Bone marrow–derived infiltrating macrophages/monocytes were recruited to the tumor early during GBM initiation, where they localized preferentially to perivascular areas. In contrast, resident microglia were localized mainly to peritumoral regions. RNA-sequencing analyses revealed differential gene expression patterns unique to infiltrating and resident cells, suggesting unique functions for each TAM population. Notably, limiting monocyte infiltration via genetic Ccl2 reduction prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Our findings illuminate the unique composition and functions of infiltrating and resident myeloid cells in GBM, establishing a rationale to target infiltrating cells in this neoplasm. Cancer Res; 77(9); 2266–78. ©2017 AACR.

APLNR expression is upregulated in the infiltrating tumor zone in glioblastoma.

Additional details regarding the methods for cells, reagents, animal studies, immunofluorescence, transcytosis, and ELISA assays.

Dynamic modulation of CCR2 and CX3CR1 in myeloid cells isolated from tumors. With the decrease of Ly6C intensity, the cells present increased CX3CR1-GFP intensity but decreased CCR2-RFP intensity.

Figure S3 shows co-localization of different fractions of bevacizumab or human IgG (hIgG) with Rab4 or LAMP1 in CD133+ GBM cells in vitro, and of rat anti-mouse VEGF-A IgG in an established tumor in the immune competent mouse model of GBM in vivo, show similar trafficking patterns.

Figure S1 shows that bevacizumab gains access to the perivascular tumor space and is internalized by tumor cells when administered to an orthotopic xenograft model of GBM and confirmation of cancer stem-like cell markers in vivo.

Supplementary Figure S3. PROS1 is located in GSCs.

Purpose: Bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody to VEGF, is used routinely in the treatment of patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). However, very little is known regarding the effects of bevacizumab on the cells in the perivascular space in tumors.Experimental Design: Established orthotopic xenograft and syngeneic models of GBM were used to determine entry of monoclonal anti-VEGF-A into, and uptake by cells in, the perivascular space. Based on the results, we examined CD133+ cells derived from GBM tumors in vitro. Bevacizumab internalization, trafficking, and effects on cell survival were analyzed using multilabel confocal microscopy, immunoblotting, and cytotoxicity assays in the presence/absence of inhibitors.Results: In the GBM mouse models, administered anti-mouse-VEGF-A entered the perivascular tumor niche and was internalized by Sox2+/CD44+ tumor cells. In the perivascular tumor cells, bevacizumab was detected in the recycling compartment or the lysosomes, and increased autophagy was found. Bevacizumab was internalized rapidly by CD133+/Sox2+-GBM cells in vitro through macropinocytosis with a fraction being trafficked to a recycling compartment, independent of FcRn, and a fraction to lysosomes. Bevacizumab treatment of CD133+ GBM cells depleted VEGF-A and induced autophagy thereby improving cell survival. An inhibitor of lysosomal acidification decreased bevacizumab-induced autophagy and increased cell death. Inhibition of macropinocytosis increased cell death, suggesting macropinocytosis of bevacizumab promotes CD133+ cell survival.Conclusions: We demonstrate that bevacizumab is internalized by Sox2+/CD44+-GBM tumor cells residing in the perivascular tumor niche. Macropinocytosis of bevacizumab and trafficking to the lysosomes promotes CD133+ cell survival, as does the autophagy induced by bevacizumab depletion of VEGF-A. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 7059–71. ©2017 AACR.

Figure S7 shows bevacizumab is transcytosed across normal brain ECs and TECs.

Figure S5 shows co-localization of a fraction of the bevacizumab-VEGF complex with Rab4 and a fraction with LAMP1 in CD133+ GBM tumor cells.

Figure S1. Circulating Ly6CHi inflammatory monocytes diminish at terminal illness. Figure S2. Enhanced BM-derived cell infiltration in Cx3cr1GFP/GFP;Ccr2RFP/WT mice. Figure S3. RFP+ cells are only observed in the meninges in healthy naïve Cx3cr1GFP/WT;Ccr2RFP/WT mice. Figure S4. Bone marrow reconstitution efficiency as examined by flow cytometry. Figure S5. Significant up-regulated (red) and down-regulated (green) genes based on the pairwise comparisons. Figure S6. Loss of Ccl2 in stroma does not prolong survival of tumor-bearing mice. Figure S7. Immunohistochemistry staining and quantification of phosphor-histone 3 proliferating cells. Figure S8. Immunohistochemistry staining and quantification of Ki67+ proliferating cells. Figure S9. TUNEL staining of apoptotic cells. Figure S10. Survival curve of PDGF-driven tumor in WT, Ccl2+/- and Ccl2-/- mice. Supplementary Table S1. Combined Cx3cr1 and Ccr2 heterozygous knockout does not affect tumor development or survival. Supp. Table S2. Significantly enriched functional pathways in tumor-associated microglia. Supp. Table S3. Significantly enriched functional pathways in tumor-associated microglia and tumor-associate macrophages. Supp. Table S4. Significantly enriched functional pathways in tumor-associated macrophages.

Figure S6 shows bevacizumab treatment causes a reduction in phospho-VEGFR2 and downregulation of VEGF-A induces autophagy in CD133+ GBM cells.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal disease with no effective therapies available. We previously observed upregulation of the TAM (Tyro-3, Axl, and Mer) receptor tyrosine kinase family member AXL in mesenchymal GBM and showed that knockdown of AXL induced apoptosis of mesenchymal, but not proneural, glioma sphere cultures (GSC). In this study, we report that BGB324, a novel small molecule inhibitor of AXL, prolongs the survival of immunocompromised mice bearing GSC-derived mesenchymal GBM-like tumors. We show that protein S (PROS1), a known ligand of other TAM receptors, was secreted by tumor-associated macrophages/microglia and subsequently physically associated with and activated AXL in mesenchymal GSC. PROS1-driven phosphorylation of AXL (pAXL) induced NFκB activation in mesenchymal GSC, which was inhibited by BGB324 treatment. We also found that treatment of GSC-derived mouse GBM tumors with nivolumab, a blocking antibody against the immune checkpoint protein PD-1, increased intratumoral macrophages/microglia and activation of AXL. Combinatorial therapy with nivolumab plus BGB324 effectively prolonged the survival of mice bearing GBM tumors. Clinically, expression of AXL or PROS1 was associated with poor prognosis for patients with GBM. Our results suggest that the PROS1–AXL pathway regulates intrinsic mesenchymal signaling and the extrinsic immune microenvironment, contributing to the growth of aggressive GBM tumors.Significance: These findings suggest that development of combination treatments of AXL and immune checkpoint inhibitors may provide benefit to patients with GBM. Cancer Res; 78(11); 3002–13. ©2018 AACR.

APLN co-expressed genes are enriched for angiogenesis in glioblastoma subtypes

Supplementary figure legends and materials and methods

Antiangiogenic therapy of glioblastoma (GBM) with bevacizumab, a VEGFA-blocking antibody, may accelerate tumor cell invasion and induce alternative angiogenic pathways. Here we investigate the roles of the proangiogenic apelin receptor APLNR and its cognate ligand apelin in VEGFA/VEGFR2 antiangiogenic therapy against distinct subtypes of GBM. In proneural GBM, apelin levels were downregulated by VEGFA or VEGFR2 blockade. A central role for apelin/APLNR in controlling GBM vascularization was corroborated in a serial implantation model of the angiogenic switch that occurs in human GBM. Apelin and APLNR are broadly expressed in human GBM, and knockdown or knockout of APLN in orthotopic models of proneural or classical GBM subtypes significantly reduced GBM vascularization compared with controls. However, reduction in apelin expression led to accelerated GBM cell invasion. Analysis of stereotactic GBM biopsies from patients as well as from in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed increased dissemination of APLNR-positive tumor cells when apelin levels were reduced. Application of apelin-F13A, a mutant APLNR ligand, blocked tumor angiogenesis and GBM cell invasion. Furthermore, cotargeting VEGFR2 and APLNR synergistically improved survival of mice bearing proneural GBM. In summary, we show that apelin/APLNR signaling controls GBM angiogenesis and invasion and that both pathologic features are blunted by apelin-F13A. We suggest that apelin-F13A can improve the efficiency and reduce the side effects of established antiangiogenic treatments for distinct GBM subtypes.Significance:Pharmacologic targeting of the APLNR acts synergistically with established antiangiogenic treatments in glioblastoma and blunts therapy resistance to current strategies for antiangiogenesis.See related commentary by Amoozgar et al., p. 2104

Figure S4 shows FcRn staining largely colocalizes with the endothelial cell marker vWf in xenograft GBM tumors.

Figure S2 shows the internalization of bevacizumab by CD133-negative non-stem GBM tumor cells was not inhibited by EIPA.

Supplementary Methods and Materials from Gli Activity Correlates with Tumor Grade in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor–Induced Gliomas

Supplementary Figure 6 from Gli Activity Correlates with Tumor Grade in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor–Induced Gliomas

Supplementary Figure 4 from Gli Activity Correlates with Tumor Grade in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor–Induced Gliomas

Supplementary Figure 1 from Preclinical Evaluation of Radiation and Perifosine in a Genetically and Histologically Accurate Model of Brainstem Glioma

Supplementary Figure 2 from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Suppression in Cerebellar Development and Medulloblastoma: Separate Regulation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Activity and p27Kip1 Localization

Supplementary Figure 9 from Gli Activity Correlates with Tumor Grade in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor–Induced Gliomas

Supplementary Figure 1 from Gli Activity Correlates with Tumor Grade in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor–Induced Gliomas

Supplementary Figure 1 from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Suppression in Cerebellar Development and Medulloblastoma: Separate Regulation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Activity and p27Kip1 Localization

Supplementary Figure 3 from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Suppression in Cerebellar Development and Medulloblastoma: Separate Regulation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Activity and p27Kip1 Localization

Supplementary Figure Legends 1-4 from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Suppression in Cerebellar Development and Medulloblastoma: Separate Regulation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Activity and p27Kip1 Localization

Gli signaling is critical for central nervous system development and is implicated in tumorigenesis. To monitor Gli signaling in gliomas in vivo, we created platelet-derived growth factor–induced gliomas in a Gli-luciferase reporter mouse. We find that Gli activation is found in gliomas and correlates with grade. In addition, we find that sonic hedgehog (SHH) is expressed in these tumors and also correlates with grade. We identify microvascular proliferation and pseudopalisades, elements that define high-grade gliomas as SHH-producing microenvironments. We describe two populations of SHH-producing stromal cells that reside in perivascular niche (PVN), namely low-cycling astrocytes and endothelial cells. Using the Ptc-LacZ knock-in mouse as a second Gli responsive reporter, we show β-galactosidase activity in the PVN and in some tumors diffusely throughout the tumor. Lastly, we observe that SHH is similarly expressed in human gliomas and note that an intact tumor microenvironment or neurosphere conditions in vitro are required for Gli activity. [Cancer Res 2008;68(7):2241–49]

Supplementary Figure 2 from Preclinical Evaluation of Radiation and Perifosine in a Genetically and Histologically Accurate Model of Brainstem Glioma

Supplementary Figure Legends 1-4 from Preclinical Evaluation of Radiation and Perifosine in a Genetically and Histologically Accurate Model of Brainstem Glioma

Supplementary Figure 8 from Gli Activity Correlates with Tumor Grade in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor–Induced Gliomas

Supplementary Methods from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Suppression in Cerebellar Development and Medulloblastoma: Separate Regulation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Activity and p27Kip1 Localization

Supplementary Figure 3 from Preclinical Evaluation of Radiation and Perifosine in a Genetically and Histologically Accurate Model of Brainstem Glioma

Supplementary Figure 7 from Gli Activity Correlates with Tumor Grade in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor–Induced Gliomas

Supplementary Figure 4 from Preclinical Evaluation of Radiation and Perifosine in a Genetically and Histologically Accurate Model of Brainstem Glioma

Supplementary Figure 4 from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Suppression in Cerebellar Development and Medulloblastoma: Separate Regulation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Activity and p27Kip1 Localization

Supplementary Figure 3 from Gli Activity Correlates with Tumor Grade in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor–Induced Gliomas

Supplementary Figure 2 from Gli Activity Correlates with Tumor Grade in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor–Induced Gliomas

SUMMARYMyeloid cells comprise the majority of immune cells in tumors, contributing to tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Incomplete understanding of myeloid cells response to tumor driver mutation and therapeutic intervention impedes effective therapeutic design. Here, by leveraging CRISPR/Cas9-based genomic editing, we generated a mouse model that is deficient of all monocyte chemoattractant proteins (MCP). Using this strain, we effectively abolished monocyte infiltration in glioblastoma (GBM) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) murine models, which were enriched for monocytes or neutrophils, respectively. Remarkably, eliminating monocyte chemoattraction invokes a significant compensatory neutrophil influx in GBM, but not in HCC. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that intratumoral neutrophils promoted proneural-to-mesenchymal transition in GBM, and supported tumor aggression by facilitating hypoxia response via TNF production. Importantly, genetic or pharmacological inhibiting neutrophil in HCC or qMCP-KO GBM extended the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Our findings emphasize the importance of targeting both monocytes and neutrophils simultaneously for cancer immunotherapy.In BriefEliminating monocyte chemoattraction invokes compensatory neutrophil influx in tumor, and vice versa, rendering current myeloid-targeted therapies ineffective. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches combined with novel mouse models of GBM and HCC, we provide credence advocating for combinational therapies aiming at inhibiting both monocytes and neutrophils simultaneously.Highlights•Blocking monocyte chemoattraction results in increased neutrophil infiltration.•Increased neutrophil recruitment induces GBM PN to MES transition.•Inhibiting neutrophil infiltration in monocyte-deficient tumors improves mouse GBM survival.•Blocking neutrophil, but not monocyte, infiltration in HCC prolongs mouse survival.

Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a type of lethal brain tumor that develops mainly in children. The majority of DMG harbor the K27M mutation in histone H3. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in the brainstem are candidate cells-of-origin for DMG, yet there is no genetically engineered mouse model of DMG initiated in OPCs. Here, we used the RCAS/Tv-a avian retroviral system to generate DMG in Olig2-expressing progenitors and Nestin-expressing progenitors in the neonatal mouse brainstem. PDGF-A or PDGF-B overexpression, along with p53 deletion, resulted in gliomas in both models. Exogenous overexpression of H3.3K27M had a significant effect on tumor latency and tumor cell proliferation when compared with H3.3WT in Nestin+ cells but not in Olig2+ cells. Further, the fraction of H3.3K27M-positive cells was significantly lower in DMGs initiated in Olig2+ cells relative to Nestin+ cells, both in PDGF-A and PDGF-B-driven models, suggesting that the requirement for H3.3K27M is reduced when tumorigenesis is initiated in Olig2+ cells. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes in H3.3K27M tumors were non-overlapping between Olig2;PDGF-B, Olig2;PDGF-A, and Nestin;PDGF-A models. GSEA analysis of PDGFA tumors confirmed that the transcriptomal effects of H3.3K27M are cell-of-origin dependent with H3.3K27M promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis when Olig2 marks the cell-of-origin and inhibiting EMT and angiogenesis when Nestin marks the cell-of-origin. We did observe some overlap with H3.3K27M promoting negative enrichment of TNFA_Signaling_Via_NFKB in both models. Our study suggests that the tumorigenic effects of H3.3K27M are cell-of-origin dependent, with H3.3K27M being more oncogenic in Nestin+ cells than Olig2+ cells.

SummaryMonocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) from blood circulation infiltrate and promote glioblastoma growth. Here we discover that glioma cells induce the expression of potent pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in MDM, which engages IL-1R1 in glioma cells, activates NF-κB pathway, and subsequently leads to the induction of monocyte chemoattractant proteins (MCPs). Thus, a feedforward paracrine circuit of IL-1β/IL-1R1 between the tumors and MDM creates an interdependence driving glioblastoma progression. Locally antagonizing IL-1β/IL-1R1 leads to reduced MDM infiltration, diminished tumor growth, reduced exhausted CD8+T cells, and thereby extends the survival of tumor-bearing mice. In contrast to IL-1β, IL-1a exhibits anti-tumor effects. Genetic deletion ofIl1ais associated with decreased recruitment of lymphoid cells and loss of interferon (IFN) signaling in various immune populations and subsets of malignant cells. IL-1β antagonism of IL-1β should be considered as an effective anti-glioblastoma therapy.Graphical Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly lethal brain cancer, is notorious for its immunosuppressive microenvironment, yet current immunotherapies are ineffective. Thus, understanding the immune contexture and governing factors of immunosuppression is crucial. Here, we identified a highly dynamic temporospatial patterning of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) corresponding to vascular changes in GBM: as tumor vessels transition from an initial dense regular network to later scant engorged vasculature, CD68+ TAMs shift away from perivascular regions to poorly vascularized areas. Remarkably, this process is heavily influenced by the immunocompetency of host animal, as tumor vessels in immunodeficient hosts remained dense and regular while TAMs evenly distributed. Utilizing a sensitive fluorescent reporter to track tumor hypoxia, we revealed that hypoxic niche controls immunosuppression by at least two mechanisms: first, attracting and sequestering activated TAMs in hypoxic zones, and second, reprograming entrapped TAMs towards an immunotolerant state. Indeed, entrapped TAMs also experience hypoxia and upregulate phagocytic marker Cd68 and immunotolerant genes Mrc1 and Arg1, thereby facilitating debris clearing, inflammatory containment, and immunosuppression in hypoxic zones. Mechanistically, we identified Ccl8 and IL-1β as two hypoxic niche factors released by TAMs in response to cues from hypoxic GBM cells, functioning to reinforce TAM retainment. Reciprocally, niche factors also shape the transcriptional responses of hypoxic tumor cells that exhibit quiescence and mesenchymal shift. Moreover, hypoxic niche factors are highly enriched in human GBMs, particularly mesenchymal subtype, and predict poor survival. Importantly, perturbing hypoxic niches resulted in reduced TAM sequestration and better tumor control. Together, understanding the mutual influence of immune contexture and metabolic landscape has important ramifications for improving efficacy of immunotherapies against GBM.