Eosinophils orchestrate cancer rejection by normalizing tumor vessels and enhancing infiltration of CD8(+) T cells

Nat Immunol. 2015 Jun;16(6):609-17. doi: 10.1038/ni.3159. Epub 2015 Apr 27.

Abstract

Tumor-associated eosinophilia is frequently observed in cancer. However, despite numerous studies of patients with cancer and mouse models of cancer, it has remained uncertain if eosinophils contribute to tumor immunity or are mere bystander cells. Here we report that activated eosinophils were essential for tumor rejection in the presence of tumor-specific CD8(+) T cells. Tumor-homing eosinophils secreted chemoattractants that guided T cells into the tumor, which resulted in tumor eradication and survival. Activated eosinophils initiated substantial changes in the tumor microenvironment, including macrophage polarization and normalization of the tumor vasculature, which are known to promote tumor rejection. Thus, our study presents a new concept for eosinophils in cancer that may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Vessels / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Movement
  • Chemotactic Factors / immunology*
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • Eosinophils / immunology*
  • Melanoma / blood supply
  • Melanoma / immunology*
  • Melanoma, Experimental
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / immunology
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Skin Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Tumor Burden / immunology
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Chemotactic Factors