The continuous remodeling of progressing tumors demands non-physiologic production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Among them, osteopontin (OPN) has been largely involved in tumor progression and metastasis. We have recently discovered a new mechanism for OPN in the metastatic spread of mammary carcinoma providing local immunosuppression at the seeding site.
Keywords: metastasis; myeloid-derived suppressor cells; osteopontin.