Murine regulatory T cells utilize granzyme B to promote tumor metastasis

In this study, we utilized Treg-specific GzmB knockout (Foxp3creGzmBfl/fl) mice to test whether Treg-derived GzmB can aid in tumor progression and metastasis. Using an IL-2 complex to activate GzmB expression in the non-immunogenic B16-F10 tumor model, we provide evidence to show that GzmB produced by Tregs is important for spontaneous metastasis to the lungs. In addition, we depleted CD8  + T cells to selectively measure the impact of Treg-derived GzmB in an experimental lung metastasis model by intravenous injection of B16-F10 tumor cells; our results demonstrate that Treg-derived GzmB plays an important role in increasing the metastatic burden to the lungs.
Source: Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research