Figure 3.

IL-1 signalling in breast primary tumour and bone metastasis. IL-1 signalling controls breast cancer growth at both primary and bone metastatic sites. Osteotrophic breast cancer cells MDA-231-IV or ER+ breast tumour cells MCF-7 are implanted subcutaneously in BALB/c-nude mice to mimic primary tumour growth. IL-1 signalling inhibition using the receptor antagonist Anakinra results in reduced tumour growth as well as diminished tumour microvessel density. Upon i.v. injection, MDA-231-IV cells home to bone. Anakinra treatment affects metastatic breast cancer tumour growth, without altering the number of cells homing to this site, suggesting the involvement of IL-1 signalling in breast cancer dormancy in bone.