The AP-1-BATF and-BATF3 module is essential for growth, survival and TH17/ILC3 skewing of anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Transcription factor AP-1 is constitutively activated and IRF4 drives growth and survival in ALK(+) and ALK(+) anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Here we demonstrate high-level BA IF and BA IF3 expression in ALCL. Both BATFs bind classical AP-1 motifs and interact with in ALCL deregulated AP-1 factors. Together with IRF4, they co-occupy AP-1-IRF composite elements, differentiating ALCL from non-ALCL. Gene-specific inactivation of BATFs, or global AP-1 inhibition results in ALCL growth retardation and/or cell death in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the AP-1-BATF module establishes TH17/group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3)-associated gene expression in ALCL cells, including marker genes such as AHR, IL17F, IL22, IL26, IL23R and ROR gamma t. Elevated IL-17A and IL-17F levels were detected in a subset of children and adolescents with ALK(+) ALCL. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of primary lymphoma data confirms TH17(-), and in particular ILC3-skewing in ALCL compared with PTCL. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of RORC as single treatment leads to cell death in ALCL cell lines and, in combination with the ALK inhibitor crizotinib, enforces death induction in ALK(+) ALCL. Our data highlight the crucial role of AP-1/BATFs in ALCL and lead to the concept that some ALCL might originate from ILC3. Transcription factor AP-1 is constitutively activated and IRF4 drives growth and survival in ALK+ and ALK- anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Here we demonstrate high-level BATF and BATF3 expression in ALCL. Both BATFs bind classical AP-1 motifs and interact with in ALCL deregulated AP-1 factors. Together with IRF4, they co-occupy AP-1-IRF composite elements, differentiating ALCL from non-ALCL. Gene-specific inactivation of BATFs, or global AP-1 inhibition results in ALCL growth retardation and/or cell death in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the AP-1-BATF module establishes TH17/group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3)-associated gene expression in ALCL cells, including marker genes such as AHR, IL17F, IL22, IL26, IL23R and RORγt. Elevated IL-17A and IL-17F levels were detected in a subset of children and adolescents with ALK+ ALCL. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of primary lymphoma data confirms TH17-, and in particular ILC3-skewing in ALCL compared with PTCL. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of RORC as single treatment leads to cell death in ALCL cell lines and, in combination with the ALK inhibitor crizotinib, enforces death induction in ALK+ ALCL. Our data highlight the crucial role of AP-1/BATFs in ALCL and lead to the concept that some ALCL might originate from ILC3.

Helmholtz Soc
Cells Mot
European Res Initiat ALK Related Malignancies ERI
German Cancer Research Center
German Rheumatism Res Ctr DRFZ Berlin
Scripps Res Inst
Univ Hosp Munster
Università degli Studi di Torino
University of Cambridge
CBmed GmbH
Medizinische Universität Wien - AKH
Ludwig Boltzmann Institut für Krebsforschung
Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen
Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien
Charlie Univ Med Berlin
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
University of Munster
University of Turin
Leibniz Association
Free University of Berlin
Helmholtz Association
State University System of Florida
Justus Liebig University Giessen