Early stages of cancer are characterized by an active host immune response that inhibits cancer progression; over time, however, these responses are co-opted by the cancer cells to promote tumor growth. Tsonwin Hai and colleagues identified the transcription factor ATF3 as a key regulator of the host immune response and as a contributor to co-option of the host by cancer cells to promote metastasis.
• ATF3 is expressed in immune mononuclear cells in human breast tumors and is associated with worse clinical outcomes.
• Host ATF3 expression facilitates breast cancer metastasis.
• ATF3 alters the host systemic environment, increasing the number of tumor-associated macrophages.
• Cancer-induced ATF3 expression in mononuclear cells alters gene expression and bioactivity to contribute to host-enhanced metastasis.
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30 май 2013
