SOCS3 deficiency in myeloid cells promotes tumor development: involvement of STAT3 activation and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (TUM6P.1000)

Abstract

Abstract Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) proteins are negative regulators of the JAK/STAT pathway, and generally function as tumor suppressors. The absence of SOCS3 in particular leads to heightened activation of the STAT3 transcription factor, which has a striking ability to promote tumor survival while suppressing anti-tumor immunity. We report for the first time that genetic deletion of SOCS3 specifically in myeloid cells significantly enhances tumor growth, which correlates with elevated levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the tumor microenvironment, and diminished CD8+ T-cell infiltration in tumors. Furthermore, SOCS3-deficient bone-marrow-derived cells exhibit heightened STAT3 activation and preferentially differentiate into the Gr-1+CD11b+Ly6G+ MDSC phenotype. Importantly, we identify granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) as a critical factor secreted by the tumor microenvironment that promotes development of MDSC via a STAT3-dependent pathway. Abrogation of tumor-derived G-CSF reduces the proliferation and accumulation of Gr-1+CD11b+ MDSC and inhibits tumor growth. These findings highlight the critical function of SOCS3 as a negative regulator of MDSC development and function, via inhibition of STAT3 activation.