Influence of TBK-1 on tumor angiogenesis and microvascular inflammation

Tank-Binding-Kinase 1 (TBK-1) has been proposed as a putative mediator in tumor angiogenesis. It was the aim of our study to gain insight into TBK-1s role in tumor angiogenesis and tumor-associated microvascular inflammation. TBK-1 overexpressing KB 3-1 cells were generated and their growth characteristics were analyzed. Expression of TBK-1, VEGF, RANTES and Il-8 were quantified using qPCR and western blot analysis. Intravital microscopy using the dorsal skinfold chamber model in nude mice addressed total (TIVD) and functional intratumoral vascular density (FIVD), perfusion index, vessel diameter and leukocyte sticking. Transfection of KB-3 cells resulted in significantly increased TBK-1, RANTES and IL-8 expression without affecting cellular growth. Supernatants from TBK-1 overexpressing clones induced HUVEC proliferation. Intravital microscopy identified an increase in leukocyte sticking paralleled by significantly increased TIVD and FIVD as a result of increased VEGF expression. Therefore, TBK-1 represents a novel mediator of tumor angiogenesis and exerts proinflammatory effects via upregulation of inflammatory cytokines. The TBK-1 pathway might be an important cross-link between angiogenesis and inflammation representing a possible target for anti-tumor therapy.