Tumor-associated neutrophils and macrophages interaction contributes to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression by activating STAT3

• DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001946
• Publication Date: 2021-03-10T16:51:21Z
• Authors: Zhengjun Zhou; Pengcheng Wang; Rongqi Sun; Jia Li; Zhiqiang Hu; Haoyang Xin; Chubin Luo; Jian Zhou; Jia Fan; Shaolai Zhou
• Keywords: Tissue microarray; Tumor progression; Oncostatin M

Background Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) and macrophages (TAMs) can each influence cancer growth metastasis, but their combined effects in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remain unclear. Methods We explored the distributions of TANs TAMs patient-derived ICC samples by multiplex immunofluorescent staining tested separate on vitro vivo. then investigated mechanistic basis using PCR array, western blot analysis ELISA experiments. Finally, we validated our results a tissue microarray composed primary tumor tissues from 359 patients with ICC. Results The spatial were correlated other samples. Interaction between enhanced proliferation invasion abilities cells progression mouse xenograft model produced higher levels oncostatin M interleukin-11, respectively, co-culture than monoculture. Both those cytokines activated STAT3 signaling cells. Knockdown abolished protumor effect In ICC, increased TAN TAM elevated p-STAT3 expression. All three factors independent predictors patient outcomes. Conclusions interact to promote activating STAT3.