Low-dose TNF-α promotes angiogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via TNFR2/Akt/mTOR axis

Objectives: To assess the role of TNF-alpha/TNFR2 axis on promoting angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells and uncover the underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: The expression of TNFR2 and CD31 in OSCC tissues was examined; gene expression relationship between TNF-alpha/TNFR2 and angiogenic markers or signaling molecules was analyzed; the expression of angiogenic markers, signaling molecules, TNFR1, and TNFR2 in TNF-alpha-stimulated OSCC cells treated with or without TNFR2 neutralizing antibody (TNFR2 Nab) were assessed; the concentration of angiogenic markers in the supernatant of OSCC cells was detected; conditioned mediums of OSCC cells treated with TNF-alpha or TNF-alpha + TNFR2 Nab were applied to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), followed by tube formation and cell migration assays. Results: Significantly elevated expression of TNFR2 and CD31 in OSCC tissues was observed. A positive gene expression correlation was identified between TNF-alpha/TNFR2 and angiogenic markers or signaling molecules. TNFR2 Nab inhibited the effects of TNF-alpha on enhancing the expression of angiogenic factors and TNFR2, the phosphorylation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, HUVECs migration, and tube formation. Conclusions: TNFR2 Nab counteracts the effect of TNF-alpha on OSCC cells through the TNFR2/Akt/mTOR axis, indicating that blocking TNFR2 might be a promising strategy against cancer.