Targeting the ANG2/TIE2 Axis Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Impairing Angiogenesis and Disabling Rebounds of Proangiogenic Myeloid Cells

Roberta Mazzieri, Ferdinando Pucci, Davide Moi, Erika Zonari, Anna Ranghetti, Alvise Berti, Letterio S. Politi, Bernhard Gentner, Jeffrey L. Brown, Luigi Naldini, Michele De Palma

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

503 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells convey proangiogenic programs that counteract the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy. Here, we show that blocking angiopoietin-2 (ANG2), a TIE2 ligand and angiogenic factor expressed by activated endothelial cells (ECs), regresses the tumor vasculature and inhibits progression of late-stage, metastatic MMTV-PyMT mammary carcinomas and RIP1-Tag2 pancreatic insulinomas. ANG2 blockade did not inhibit recruitment of MRC1+ TIE2-expressing macrophages (TEMs) but impeded their upregulation of Tie2, association with blood vessels, and ability to restore angiogenesis in tumors. Conditional Tie2 gene knockdown in TEMs was sufficient to decrease tumor angiogenesis. Our findings support a model wherein the ANG2-TIE2 axis mediates cell-to-cell interactions between TEMs and ECs that are important for tumor angiogenesis and can be targeted to induce effective antitumor responses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)512-526
Number of pages15
JournalCancer Cell
Volume19
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 12 2011
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Targeting the ANG2/TIE2 Axis Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Impairing Angiogenesis and Disabling Rebounds of Proangiogenic Myeloid Cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this