Simultaneous blocking of IL-6 and IL-8 is sufficient to fully inhibit CAF-induced human melanoma cell invasiveness

Njainday Pulo Jobe1,2, Daniel Rösel1,2, Barbora Dvořánková3,2

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, Prague, Czech Republic.

Insights

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) promote melanoma cell invasion and migration. Blocking IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines fully inhibits this CAF-induced invasiveness, highlighting their critical role in melanoma metastasis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Tumor microenvironment significantly influences cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
  • Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment.
  • Understanding the interaction between CAFs and melanoma cells is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in promoting melanoma cell invasiveness.
  • To identify the specific cytokines involved in CAF-mediated melanoma cell invasion.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of blocking key cytokines in inhibiting melanoma cell invasion.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a 3D spheroid invasion assay to model melanoma cell invasion.
  • Analyzed conditioned media from normal fibroblasts and CAFs, alone and co-cultured with melanoma cells.
  • Quantified the expression of pro-invasive cytokines IL-6 and IL-8.
  • Employed neutralising antibodies to block IL-6 and IL-8 activity in co-culture models.

Main Results:

  • Conditioned media from CAFs, especially when co-cultured with melanoma cells, significantly enhanced melanoma cell invasion and migration.
  • Melanoma cells were primary producers of IL-8, while fibroblasts produced IL-6 in monocultures.
  • Co-cultivation induced increased secretion of both IL-6 and IL-8.
  • Simultaneous blockade of IL-6 and IL-8 completely inhibited CAF-induced melanoma cell invasiveness.

Conclusions:

  • Cancer-associated fibroblasts play a significant role in promoting melanoma cell invasion and migration.
  • Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) are critical mediators of CAF-induced melanoma invasiveness.
  • Targeting both IL-6 and IL-8 presents a promising therapeutic strategy to inhibit melanoma metastasis.