Usage Information
Abstract
The presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is a major obstacle in the success of cancer immunotherapies. Because extracellular matrix components can shape the microenvironment, we investigated the role of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in melanoma tumorigenesis. We found that MMP2 signals proinflammatory pathways on antigen presenting cells, and this requires both TLR2 and TLR4. B16 melanoma cells that express MMP2 at baseline have slower kinetics in Tlr2–/– Tlr4–/– mice, implicating MMP2 in promoting tumor growth. Indeed, Mmp2 overexpression in B16 cells potentiated rapid tumor growth, which was accompanied by reduced intratumoral cytolytic cells and increased M2 macrophages. In contrast, knockdown of Mmp2 slowed tumor growth and enhanced T cell proliferation and NK cell recruitment. Finally, we found that these effects of MMP2 are mediated through dysfunctional DC–T cell cross-talk as they are lost in Batf3–/– and Rag2–/– mice. These findings provide insights into the detrimental role of endogenous alarmins like MMP2 in modulating immune responses in the tumor microenvironment.
Authors
Luciana R. Muniz-Bongers, Christopher B. McClain, Mansi Saxena, Gerold Bongers, Miriam Merad, Nina Bhardwaj
Usage data is cumulative from March 2025 through March 2026.
| Usage | JCI | PMC |
|---|---|---|
| Text version | 1,532 | 316 |
| 164 | 60 | |
| Figure | 745 | 0 |
| Supplemental data | 73 | 14 |
| Citation downloads | 114 | 0 |
| Totals | 2,628 | 390 |
| Total Views | 3,018 | |
Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.
Various methods are used to distinguish robotic usage. For example, Google automatically scans articles to add to its search index and identifies itself as robotic; other services might not clearly identify themselves as robotic, or they are new or unknown as robotic. Because this activity can be misinterpreted as human readership, data may be re-processed periodically to reflect an improved understanding of robotic activity. Because of these factors, readers should consider usage information illustrative but subject to change.
