Continuous sensing of IFNa by hepatic endothelial cells shapes a vascular antimetastatic barrier

Hepatic metastases are a poor prognostic factor of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and new strategies to reduce the risk of liver CRC colonization are highly needed. Herein, we used mouse models of hepatic metastatization to demonstrate that the continuous infusion of therapeutic doses of interferon-alpha (IFN alpha) controls CRC invasion by acting on hepatic endothelial cells (HECs). Mechanistically, IFN alpha promoted the development of a vascular antimetastatic niche characterized by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) defenestration extracellular matrix and glycocalyx deposition, thus strengthening the liver vascular barrier impairing CRC trans-sinusoidal migration, without requiring a direct action on tumor cells, hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, or liver dendritic cells (DCs), Kupffer cells (KCs) and liver capsular macrophages (LCMs). Moreover, IFN alpha endowed LSECs with efficient cross-priming potential that, along with the early intravascular tumor burden reduction, supported the generation of antitumor CD8(+) T cells and ultimately led to the establishment of a protective long-term memory T cell response. These findings provide a rationale for the use of continuous IFN alpha therapy in perioperative settings to reduce CRC metastatic spreading to the liver.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of continuous interferon-alpha (IFN alpha) therapy on the metastasis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) to the liver using mouse models. The results showed that IFN alpha can control CRC invasion by acting on hepatic endothelial cells (HECs). IFN alpha also strengthens the liver vascular barrier and promotes the generation of antitumor T cells.