SCS macrophages suppress melanoma by restricting tumor-derived vesicle-B cell interactions

Abstract

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (tEVs) are important signals in tumor-host cell communication, yet it remains unclear how endogenously produced tEVs affect the host in different areas of the body. We combined imaging and genetic analysis to track melanoma-derived vesicles at organismal, cellular, and molecular scales to show that endogenous tEVs efficiently disseminate via lymphatics and preferentially bind subcapsular sinus (SCS) CD169+ macrophages in tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLNs) in mice and humans. The CD169+ macrophage layer physically blocks tEV dissemination but is undermined during tumor progression and by therapeutic agents. A disrupted SCS macrophage barrier enables tEVs to enter the lymph node cortex, interact with B cells, and foster tumor-promoting humoral immunity. Thus, CD169+ macrophages may act as tumor suppressors by containing tEV spread and ensuing cancer-enhancing immunity.