Neutrophils in Cancer: Phenotypic Heterogeneity Across Tumor Models and Significant Alteration of Splenic Neutrophil Phenotype in Lymphosarcoma RLS(40) Model Following DNase I Treatment.

Background/Objectives: Neutrophils have recently gained significant attention due to their heterogeneity in tumor settings. Recent data showed neutrophil pro- and anti-tumor profiles during tumor progression. However, the concessive causes of neutrophil skewing toward one or another profile are not fully understood. Methods: In this study, using RT-qPCR, flowcytometry, and confocal microscopy, we investigated the phenotype of splenic neutrophils of mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma LLC, RLS(40) lymphosarcoma, and B16 melanoma. Results: Our data showed an immunosuppressive phenotype in the case of the LLC model with PD-L1 and IL10 expression. In the B16 model, minimal changes in the neutrophil phenotype were observed, regardless of tumor size. In the RLS(40) model, the neutrophil phenotype was associated with the tumor growth rate, where, in aggressively progressed tumors (RLS(40)(High)), CCL17 was expressed, while, in mice with controlled tumor growth (RLS(40)(Low)), anti-tumor markers were expressed (FAS, ICAM-1, PD-L1). DNase I treatment significantly reduced tumor growth and metastasis in the RLS(40) model but not in B16, enhanced the anti-tumor profile in RLS(40) neutrophils, and tended to reduce NET formation induced by A23187. Conclusions: The phenotype of neutrophils from tumor-bearing mice is influenced by the tumor type and progression stage. DNase I had anti-tumor, antimetastatic, and immunostimulatory effects and significantly modified the neutrophil profile in the immunogenic model RLS(40).