C3a-C3aR signaling promotes breast cancer lung metastasis via modulating carcinoma associated fibroblasts

BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence suggests that complement components promote tumor progression via modulating immune suppression, angiogenesis, or tumor cell proliferation. However, the role of C3a-C3aR signaling in regulating lung metastasis of breast cancer remains unknown. METHODS: We performed various ex-vivo and in-vivo assays. Genetic and pharmacological C3aR blockade models were applied to investigate the role of C3a-C3aR in metastasis of breast cancer. RESULTS: C3a-C3aR signaling in CAFs facilitates the metastasis of breast cancer. Mechanically, C3a-C3aR signaling augments pro-metastatic cytokine secretion and extracellular matrix components expression of CAFs via the activation of PI3K-AKT signaling. Genetic or pharmacological blockade of C3aR signaling effectively inhibited lung metastasis of breast cancer in mouse models. CONCLUSIONS: C3a-C3aR signaling in CAFs facilitates the metastasis of breast cancer. Targeting C3aR signaling is a potential anti-metastasis strategy for breast cancer therapy.