The fibronectin–ILT3 interaction functions as a stromal checkpoint that suppresses myeloid cells

KJ Paavola, JM Roda, VY Lin, P Chen… - Cancer immunology …, 2021 - AACR
KJ Paavola, JM Roda, VY Lin, P Chen, KP O'Hollaren, R Ventura, SC Crawley, B Li…
Cancer immunology research, 2021AACR
Suppressive myeloid cells inhibit antitumor immunity by preventing T-cell responses.
Immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3; also known as LILRB4) is highly expressed on tumor-
associated myeloid cells and promotes their suppressive phenotype. However, the ligand
that engages ILT3 within the tumor microenvironment and renders tumor-associated myeloid
cells suppressive is unknown. Using a screening approach, we identified fibronectin as a
functional ligand for ILT3. The interaction of fibronectin with ILT3 polarized myeloid cells …
Abstract
Suppressive myeloid cells inhibit antitumor immunity by preventing T-cell responses. Immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3; also known as LILRB4) is highly expressed on tumor-associated myeloid cells and promotes their suppressive phenotype. However, the ligand that engages ILT3 within the tumor microenvironment and renders tumor-associated myeloid cells suppressive is unknown. Using a screening approach, we identified fibronectin as a functional ligand for ILT3. The interaction of fibronectin with ILT3 polarized myeloid cells toward a suppressive state, and these effects were reversed with an ILT3-specific antibody that blocked the interaction of ILT3 with fibronectin. Furthermore, ex vivo treatment of human tumor explants with anti-ILT3 reprogrammed tumor-associated myeloid cells toward a stimulatory phenotype. Thus, the ILT3–fibronectin interaction represents a “stromal checkpoint” through which the extracellular matrix actively suppresses myeloid cells. By blocking this interaction, tumor-associated myeloid cells may acquire a stimulatory phenotype, potentially resulting in increased antitumor T-cell responses.
AACR