Fig. 6: Blockage of TFF3-CD147 signaling reduces metastasis of CRC cells.

a Biophysical analysis of the TFF3-CD147^ECD interaction in the presence of the monoclonal antibody HAb18 using SPR. The indicated concentrations of HAb18 and purified CD147^ECD were injected over immobilized TFF3. b Schematic representation of tail-vein injection of HCT-8–TFF3 or HCT-8-vector cells, as well as the schedule of PTGS2 inhibitor etoricoxib (Etori) and anti-CD147^ECD antibody administration in the nude mouse model of CRC metastasis. After injection of HCT-8-TFF3 cells, the mice were randomized to 4 treatment groups for 7 weeks: placebo, etoricoxib only, monoclonal antibodies only, and a combination of etoricoxib and monoclonal antibodies. After injection of HCT-8-vector cells, the mice were randomized to 2 groups for 7 weeks: placebo and monoclonal antibodies only (n = 6 in each group). c Representative images of lung metastases and HE staining of metastatic tumors that developed in the mouse model in b. Scale bar, 2 mm. d The lung metastases from each mouse were counted, and data are presented as a scatter diagram. The p-values were determined by using a two-tailed Student’s t-test. e Cumulative overall survival of patients with double positive or double negative tumor TFF3 and CD147 expression. f Model depicting the proposed mechanism mediating mucosal restitution and CRC progression