Reciprocal crosstalk between Th17 and mesothelial cells promotes metastasis-associated adhesion of ovarian cancer cells.

Our findings reveal a novel function for Th17 cells in the OC microenvironment, which entails the IL-17A/TNF-mediated induction of mesothelial-mesenchymal transition, disruption of mesothelial layer integrity and consequently promotion of OC cell adhesion. These effects are potentiated by a positive feedback loop between mesothelial and Th17 cells. Together with the observed clinical associations and accumulation of Th17 cells in omental micrometastases, our observations point to a potential role in early metastases formation and thus to new therapeutic options.