CCL2 produced by the glioma microenvironment is essential for the recruitment of regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells

Abstract

In many aggressive cancers, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), progression is enabled by local immunosuppression driven by the accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). However, the mechanistic details of how Treg and MDSC are recruited in various tumors is not yet well understood. Here we report that macrophages and microglia within the glioma microenvironment produce CCL2, a chemokine that is critical for recruiting both CCR4+ Treg and CCR2+Ly-6C+ monocytic MDSC in this disease setting. In murine gliomas, we established novel roles for tumor-derived CCL20 and osteoprotegerin in inducing CCL2 production from macrophages and microglia. Tumors grown in CCL2 deficient mice failed to maximally accrue Treg and monocytic MDSC. In mixed-bone marrow chimera assays, we found that CCR4-deficient Treg and CCR2-deficient monocytic MDSC were defective in glioma accumulation. Further, administration of a small molecule antagonist of CCR4 improved median survival in the model. In clinical specimens of GBM, elevated levels of CCL2 expression correlated with reduced overall survival of patients. Lastly, we found that CD163-positive infiltrating macrophages were a major source of CCL2 in GBM patients. Collectively, our findings show how glioma cells influence the tumor microenvironment to recruit potent effectors of immunosuppression that drive progression.