Identification and Characterization of Tunneling Nanotubes Involved in Human Mast Cell FcεRI-Mediated Apoptosis of Cancer Cells

Simple Summary Mast cells (MCs) are ubiquitously found in most tissues and in and around tumors. Their role in cancer pathogenesis remains an open area of investigation, and their interactions with tumor cells has not been explored. Here, a novel mechanism of communication between human MCs and tumor cells involving tunneling nanotubes (TnT) and other membrane structures is described. The formation of these communication structures is dependent on MC receptors interacting with tumor antigens through tumor-specific immunoglobulins and results in tumor-killing mediators from MC entering the tumor cells. This mechanism underlying the MC killing of tumor cells has important implications in understanding cancer pathogenesis. Mast cells (MCs) are found in practically all tissues where they participate in innate and adaptive immune responses. They are also found in and around tumors, yet their interactions with cancer cells and the resulting impact on cancer cell growth and metastasis are not well understood. In this study, we examined a novel mechanism of IgE-Fc epsilon RI-mediated, intercellular communication between human adipose-derived mast cells (ADMC) and cancer cells. The formation of heterotypic tunneling nanotubes (TnT) and membrane structures between MCs and tumor cells in vitro was examined using microscopy and a diverse array of molecule-specific indicator dyes. We show that several MC-specific structures are dependent on the specific interactions between human tumor IgE-sensitized MCs and antigens on the tumor cell surface. The formation of TnT, membrane blebs and other MC-specific structures paralleled Fc epsilon RI-degranulation occurring within 30 min and persisting for up to 24 h. The TnT-specific adhesion of Fc epsilon RI-activated MCs to tumor cells was characterized by the transport of the MC granule content into the tumor cells, including tryptase and TNF-alpha. This interaction led to apoptosis of the tumor cells, which differs from previous studies examining tissue cells within the cancer microenvironment. The formation of heterotypic TnT results in stimulation of an invasive tumor cell phenotype and increased tumor cell invasion and chemoresistance of the cancer cells. These studies describe a heretofore-unrecognized mechanism underlying IgE-mediated interactions and Fc epsilon RI-activated MC-mediated killing of tumor cells through the formation of TnT.

Automated summary

This study reveals a novel mechanism of communication between mast cells (MCs) and tumor cells, involving tunneling nanotubes (TnT) and other membrane structures. The communication is dependent on MC receptors interacting with tumor antigens and results in the entry of tumor-killing mediators from MC into the tumor cells, leading to apoptosis. These findings have important implications for understanding the role of MCs in cancer pathogenesis.