Macrophages and myeloid derived suppressor cells-independent dysregulation of thymopoiesis by CCL2 in acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract

In cancer-affected patients and experimental mouse models, the CCL2 chemokine is well documented to directly stimulate the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. It also attracts type 2 macrophages and myeloid derived suppressor cells that abrogate intra-tumor T-cell responses and facilitate cancer cells growth and metastasis. Accumulation of CCL2 has been found in the sera of patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML), however, its functions in disease development remain to be determined. Using an AML experimental mouse model, we have recently shown increased levels of CCL2 in the sera and thymi of mice. CCL2 blockade in vivo resulted in prolonged leukemic mice survival, lower tumor burden and enhanced anti-leukemic responses. In this work, we highlighted a surprising role of CCL2 during AML which affects thymic function in the absence of macrophages and myeloid derived suppressor cells recruitment. To cite this article: Virginie Driss, et al. Macrophages and myeloid derived suppressor cells-independent dysregulation of thymopoiesis by CCL2 in acute myeloid leukemia. Macrophage 2015; 2: e902.