Matrix metalloproteinase-2 modulates inflammation via TLR2

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Immune therapies have had some success in the treatment of metastatic cancers. However, durable effects are limited in most patients despite the accumulation of intra-tumoral antigen-specific T cells. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is partly responsible for these failures through active blockade of local antitumor immune responses and facilitation of immune escape. Several immune modulating factors and/or cells are elicited within the TME, including the metalloproteinases, which enhance tumor growth and invasion through effects upon the tumor stroma, vasculature, and activation of factors such as TGF� and TNF�. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a gelatinase, is over-expressed in most cancers including melanoma, and its expression is associated with increased dissemination and poorer survival/prognosis. We recently found that enzymatically active MMP-2-conditioned dendritic cells (DCs) preferentially generate TH2 cells through mechanisms that inhibit IL-12 and up-regulate OX40L expression. Of note, only enzymatically active MMP-2 blocks IL-12 production, while both active and inactive conformations of MMP-2 induce up-regulation of OX40L. Strikingly, we also detected TILs in several patients that displayed MMP-2-specific responses. These responses were TH2-like and their presence was found to be inversely correlated with survival. MMP-2, therefore, acts simultaneously as an endogenous TH2 "conditioner" and tumor-associated antigen, which may explain, in part, the occurrence of unfavorable TH2 responses in melanoma. We previously characterized the mechanism responsible for IL-12 inhibition, which involves enzymatic cleavage of the type IIFN receptor, and consequent reduced STAT-1 phosphorylation and IL-12p35 transcription. We have since identified other novel immune mechanisms underlying MMP-2-dysregulation of DCs and the TME: MMP-2 directly triggers TLR-2 mediated signaling on both DCs and melanoma cell lines, inducing expression of OX40L and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, respectively. In Aim1, therefore, we will first identify the relevant TLR receptors and signaling pathways involved in OX40L up-regulation. The clinical relevance of this novel finding will be tested in animal models of melanoma (Aim 2). Finally, in Aim 3, we will evaluate whether MMP-2 directly modulates melanoma function and growth via TLR-mediated pathways.