Modulation of peritumoral fibroblasts with a membrane-tethered tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) for the elimination of cancer cells

Background. Peritumoral fibroblasts are key components of the tumor microenvironment. Through remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and secretion of pro-tumorigenic cytokines, peritumoral fibroblasts foster an immunosuppressive milieu conducive to tumor cell proliferation. In this study, we investigated if peritumoral fibroblasts could be therapeutically engineered to elicit an anti-cancer response by abolishing the proteolytic activities of membrane-bound metalloproteinases involved in ECM modulation. Methods. A high affinity, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase (TIMP) named “T1” was created for dual inhibition of MT1-MMP and TACE. T1 was expressed in fibroblasts and its effects on cancer cell proliferation investigated in 3D co-culture models. Results. T1 abrogated the activities of MT1-MMP and TACE in host fibroblasts. As a GPI protein, T1 could spontaneously detach from the plasma membrane of the fibroblast to co-localize with MT1-MMP and TACE on neighboring cancer cells. In a 3D co-culture model, T1 promoted adherence between the cancer cells and surrounding fibroblasts, which led to an attenuation in tumor development. Conclusion. Peritumoral fibroblasts can be modulated with the TIMP for the elimination of cancer cells. As a novel anti-tumor strategy, our approach could potentially be used in combination with conventional chemo- and immunotherapies for a more effective cancer therapy.