CD24 promotes tumor cell invasion by suppressing tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) in a c-Src-dependent fashion.

CD24 is a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored protein with mucin-type structure that resides exclusively in membrane microdomains. CD24 is often highly expressed in carcinomas and correlates with poor prognosis. Experimentally, the over-expression or depletion of CD24 alters cell proliferation, adhesion, and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo.

Proteasomal and genetic inactivation of the NF1 tumor suppressor in gliomagenesis.

Loss-of-function mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor result in deregulated Ras signaling and drive tumorigenesis in the familial cancer syndrome neurofibromatosis type I. However, the extent to which NF1 inactivation promotes sporadic tumorigenesis is unknown. Here we report that NF1 is inactivated in sporadic gliomas via two mechanisms: excessive proteasomal degradation and genetic loss.

Vascular targeting of anti-CD40 antibodies and IL-2 into autochthonous tumors enhances immunotherapy in mice.

Current anticancer therapy is a delicate balance between elimination of malignant cells and harmful side effects for the host. In this study, we used a tumor-homing peptide to engineer anti-CD40 agonist antibodies and recombinant IL-2 such that they were selectively delivered into spontaneously arising tumors in a transgenic mouse model of islet cell carcinogenesis. Intravenous injection of these agents, either separately or together, led to accumulation in the vicinity of tumor neovessels without toxic side effects.

Systemic application of CpG-rich DNA suppresses adaptive T cell immunity via induction of IDO.

CpG-rich oligonucleotides (CpG-ODN) bind to Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and are used as powerful adjuvants for vaccination. Here we report that CpG-ODN not only act as immune stimulatory agents but can also induce strong immune suppression depending on the anatomical location of application. In agreement with the adjuvant effect, subcutaneous application of antigen plus CpG-ODN resulted in antigen-specific T cell activation in local lymph nodes.

Frequent downregulation of DMBT1 and galectin-3 in epithelial skin cancer.

DMBT1 and galectin-3 are potential interacting proteins with presumably complex roles in tumorigenesis. While at present a variety of mechanisms are discussed for DMBT1 and its participation in cancer, galectin-3 is commonly known to exert tumor-promoting effects. However, in vitro studies in a rodent system have suggested that DMBT1/galectin-3 interaction in the ECM triggers epithelial differentiation, which would point to tumor-suppressive properties.