The authors identify Irf7 and associated interferon signaling as an important factor suppressing bone metastasis of breast cancers. Irf7 is lost in experimental metastasis and human bone metastastic tissue, and this fosters an immunosuppressive environment that facilitates metastasis. Manipulating this innate immune signaling pathway emerging from tumor cells by interferon administration had beneficial effects in mouse models by reducing bone metastasis and increasing survival time.
- Bradley N Bidwell
- Clare Y Slaney
- Belinda S Parker
