Cancer derived peptide of vacuolar ATPase 'a2' isoform promotes neutrophil migration by autocrine secretion of IL-8

Neutrophils play significant regulatory roles within the tumor microenvironment by directly promoting tumor progression that leads to poor clinical outcomes. Identifying the tumor associated molecules that regulate neutrophil infiltration into tumors may provide new and specific therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. The a2-isoform of vacuolar ATPase (a2V) is uniquely and highly expressed on cancer cell plasma membrane. Cancer cells secrete a peptide from a2V (a2NTD) that promotes the pro-tumorigenic properties of neutrophils. This provides a2V the propensity to control neutrophil migration. Here, we report that the treatment of human neutrophils with recombinant a2NTD leads to neutrophil adherence and polarization. Moreover, a2NTD treatment activates surface adhesion receptors, as well as FAK and Src kinases that are essential regulators of the migration process in neutrophils. Functional analysis reveals that a2NTD can act as a chemo-attractant and promotes neutrophil migration. In addition, a2Neu Phi secrete high levels of IL-8 via NF-kappa B pathway activation. Confirmatory assays demonstrate that the promoted migration of a2Neu Phi was dependent on the autocrine secretion of IL-8 from a2Neu Phi. These findings demonstrate for the first time the direct regulatory role of cancer associated a2-isoform V-ATPase on neutrophil migration, suggesting a2V as a potential target for cancer therapy.