Project description:CD8+ T cells isolated from HCC tissue were divided into three groups: PD1-TIM3- CD8+ TILs, exhibiting full effector function; PD1-intTIM3+ CD8+ TILs, exhibiting partial exhaustion; and PD1-hiTIM3+ CD8+ TILs, exhibiting severe exhaustion, as reflected by the differences in their ability to produce effector cytokines respectively. Transcriptome sequence analysis was performed to investigate the gene expression profile was performed.
Project description:Increases in terminally exhausted T cells in the tumor are associated with poor responses to immunotherapy, yet the mechanisms that promote progression to terminal exhaustion remain undefined. To understand the effect of epigenetic changes in subsets of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, we performed RNA-seq to understand changes in gene expression. CD8 T cells were sorted from the murine B16 melanoma tumor using PD1 and Tim3 expression to define four subsets: PD1lo, PD1mid, PD1hi, and PD1hiTim3+. Additional control samples include paired CD44+ cells from the tumor-draining lymph node of tumor bearing mice, and OT-I effector CD8 T cells isolated from Vaccinia-ova infection. CD8 TIL PD1hi Tim3+ from B16 tumors treated with IgG control, anti-PD1 or anti-41BB agonist immunotherapies were also isolated for RNAseq.
Project description:Background: Cancer Immunotherapy with cytokines has demonstrated clinical efficacy but is frequently accompanied with severe adverse events caused by excessive and systemic immune activation. Here, we addressed these challenges by engineering a fusion protein of a single, potency-reduced, IL-15 mutein and an anti-PD1 antibody (αPD1-IL15m). This immunocytokine is designed to deliver PD1-mediated avidity-driven IL-2/15 receptor stimulation preferentially to PD1-positive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) while reducing the natural preference of IL-15 for circulating peripheral NK or T cell Methods: We isolated human lymphocytes from resected hepatocellular carcinoma tissue and cultured these tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in vitro in the presence or absence of an PD1-targeted IL15 mutein, anti-PD1 antibody or IL-15 agonist. After 9 days, CD4+ TILs and CD8+ TILs were sorted by FACS and RNA of 3,000 to 150,000 cells was isolated. Results: The PD1-IL15 fusion cytokine enhanced pro-survival, proliferation and activation pathways in tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ cells compared to untreated controls as well as to the combined treatment of single agents (anti-PD1 antibody and IL-15 agonist)
Project description:Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) play a crucial role in the elimination of cancer cells. However, within the intra-tumor microenvironment, these cells eventually undergo cell death or enter a state of dysfunction known as "exhaustion". T cell exhaustion not only impairs the efficacy of tumor immunity but also contributes to resistance against immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Our previous investigations have demonstrated that the NR4a family of nuclear receptors, induced by chronic TCR stimulation, plays a pivotal role in driving exhaustion. These receptors enhance the transcription of inhibitory molecules, such as PD1, while suppressing the expression of functional molecules, including cytokines. However, it remains unclear at which stage of T cell differentiation NR4a exerts its influence and whether the loss of NR4a can "rejuvenate" T cell fate. In the present study, we confirmed that simultaneous deletion of NR4a1 and NR4a2 in CD8+ T cells led to a less exhausted phenotype characterized by reduced expression of PD1, Tim3, and Tox, as well as increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis activities, resulting in potent suppression of tumor growth. Interestingly, the transfer of activated NR4a1-/-NR4a2-/-CD8+ T cells into tumor-bearing mice gave rise to TCF1+ (Tcf7+) early memory T cells. Wild-type PD1+TIM3+CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) diminished in the secondary transfer to tumor-bearing mice, while NR4a-deficient CD8+ TILs expanded even during the secondary transfer, indicating a strong stemness of memory T cells due to NR4a loss. We discovered that NR4a directly repressed the expression of Tcf7 by binding to the enhancer region of the Tcf7 gene. Collectively, these findings indicate that inhibiting NR4a in tumors represents a potent strategy for immuno-oncotherapy by enhancing stemness and reducing exhaustion of memory T cells.
Project description:Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) play a crucial role in the elimination of cancer cells. However, within the intra-tumor microenvironment, these cells eventually undergo cell death or enter a state of dysfunction known as "exhaustion". T cell exhaustion not only impairs the efficacy of tumor immunity but also contributes to resistance against immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Our previous investigations have demonstrated that the NR4a family of nuclear receptors, induced by chronic TCR stimulation, plays a pivotal role in driving exhaustion. These receptors enhance the transcription of inhibitory molecules, such as PD1, while suppressing the expression of functional molecules, including cytokines. However, it remains unclear at which stage of T cell differentiation NR4a exerts its influence and whether the loss of NR4a can "rejuvenate" T cell fate. In the present study, we confirmed that simultaneous deletion of NR4a1 and NR4a2 in CD8+ T cells led to a less exhausted phenotype characterized by reduced expression of PD1, Tim3, and Tox, as well as increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis activities, resulting in potent suppression of tumor growth. Interestingly, the transfer of activated NR4a1-/-NR4a2-/-CD8+ T cells into tumor-bearing mice gave rise to TCF1+ (Tcf7+) early memory T cells. Wild-type PD1+TIM3+CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) diminished in the secondary transfer to tumor-bearing mice, while NR4a-deficient CD8+ TILs expanded even during the secondary transfer, indicating a strong stemness of memory T cells due to NR4a loss. We discovered that NR4a directly repressed the expression of Tcf7 by binding to the enhancer region of the Tcf7 gene. Collectively, these findings indicate that inhibiting NR4a in tumors represents a potent strategy for immuno-oncotherapy by enhancing stemness and reducing exhaustion of memory T cells.
Project description:Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) play a crucial role in the elimination of cancer cells. However, within the intra-tumor microenvironment, these cells eventually undergo cell death or enter a state of dysfunction known as "exhaustion". T cell exhaustion not only impairs the efficacy of tumor immunity but also contributes to resistance against immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Our previous investigations have demonstrated that the NR4a family of nuclear receptors, induced by chronic TCR stimulation, plays a pivotal role in driving exhaustion. These receptors enhance the transcription of inhibitory molecules, such as PD1, while suppressing the expression of functional molecules, including cytokines. However, it remains unclear at which stage of T cell differentiation NR4a exerts its influence and whether the loss of NR4a can "rejuvenate" T cell fate. In the present study, we confirmed that simultaneous deletion of NR4a1 and NR4a2 in CD8+ T cells led to a less exhausted phenotype characterized by reduced expression of PD1, Tim3, and Tox, as well as increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis activities, resulting in potent suppression of tumor growth. Interestingly, the transfer of activated NR4a1-/-NR4a2-/-CD8+ T cells into tumor-bearing mice gave rise to TCF1+ (Tcf7+) early memory T cells. Wild-type PD1+TIM3+CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) diminished in the secondary transfer to tumor-bearing mice, while NR4a-deficient CD8+ TILs expanded even during the secondary transfer, indicating a strong stemness of memory T cells due to NR4a loss. We discovered that NR4a directly repressed the expression of Tcf7 by binding to the enhancer region of the Tcf7 gene. Collectively, these findings indicate that inhibiting NR4a in tumors represents a potent strategy for immuno-oncotherapy by enhancing stemness and reducing exhaustion of memory T cells.
Project description:Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) play a crucial role in the elimination of cancer cells. However, within the intra-tumor microenvironment, these cells eventually undergo cell death or enter a state of dysfunction known as "exhaustion". T cell exhaustion not only impairs the efficacy of tumor immunity but also contributes to resistance against immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Our previous investigations have demonstrated that the NR4a family of nuclear receptors, induced by chronic TCR stimulation, plays a pivotal role in driving exhaustion. These receptors enhance the transcription of inhibitory molecules, such as PD1, while suppressing the expression of functional molecules, including cytokines. However, it remains unclear at which stage of T cell differentiation NR4a exerts its influence and whether the loss of NR4a can "rejuvenate" T cell fate. In the present study, we confirmed that simultaneous deletion of NR4a1 and NR4a2 in CD8+ T cells led to a less exhausted phenotype characterized by reduced expression of PD1, Tim3, and Tox, as well as increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis activities, resulting in potent suppression of tumor growth. Interestingly, the transfer of activated NR4a1-/-NR4a2-/-CD8+ T cells into tumor-bearing mice gave rise to TCF1+ (Tcf7+) early memory T cells. Wild-type PD1+TIM3+CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) diminished in the secondary transfer to tumor-bearing mice, while NR4a-deficient CD8+ TILs expanded even during the secondary transfer, indicating a strong stemness of memory T cells due to NR4a loss. We discovered that NR4a directly repressed the expression of Tcf7 by binding to the enhancer region of the Tcf7 gene. Collectively, these findings indicate that inhibiting NR4a in tumors represents a potent strategy for immuno-oncotherapy by enhancing stemness and reducing exhaustion of memory T cells.
Project description:Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) play a crucial role in the elimination of cancer cells. However, within the intra-tumor microenvironment, these cells eventually undergo cell death or enter a state of dysfunction known as "exhaustion". T cell exhaustion not only impairs the efficacy of tumor immunity but also contributes to resistance against immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Our previous investigations have demonstrated that the NR4a family of nuclear receptors, induced by chronic TCR stimulation, plays a pivotal role in driving exhaustion. These receptors enhance the transcription of inhibitory molecules, such as PD1, while suppressing the expression of functional molecules, including cytokines. However, it remains unclear at which stage of T cell differentiation NR4a exerts its influence and whether the loss of NR4a can "rejuvenate" T cell fate. In the present study, we confirmed that simultaneous deletion of NR4a1 and NR4a2 in CD8+ T cells led to a less exhausted phenotype characterized by reduced expression of PD1, Tim3, and Tox, as well as increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis activities, resulting in potent suppression of tumor growth. Interestingly, the transfer of activated NR4a1-/-NR4a2-/-CD8+ T cells into tumor-bearing mice gave rise to TCF1+ (Tcf7+) early memory T cells. Wild-type PD1+TIM3+CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) diminished in the secondary transfer to tumor-bearing mice, while NR4a-deficient CD8+ TILs expanded even during the secondary transfer, indicating a strong stemness of memory T cells due to NR4a loss. We discovered that NR4a directly repressed the expression of Tcf7 by binding to the enhancer region of the Tcf7 gene. Collectively, these findings indicate that inhibiting NR4a in tumors represents a potent strategy for immuno-oncotherapy by enhancing stemness and reducing exhaustion of memory T cells.
Project description:Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) play a crucial role in the elimination of cancer cells. However, within the intra-tumor microenvironment, these cells eventually undergo cell death or enter a state of dysfunction known as "exhaustion". T cell exhaustion not only impairs the efficacy of tumor immunity but also contributes to resistance against immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Our previous investigations have demonstrated that the NR4a family of nuclear receptors, induced by chronic TCR stimulation, plays a pivotal role in driving exhaustion. These receptors enhance the transcription of inhibitory molecules, such as PD1, while suppressing the expression of functional molecules, including cytokines. However, it remains unclear at which stage of T cell differentiation NR4a exerts its influence and whether the loss of NR4a can "rejuvenate" T cell fate. In the present study, we confirmed that simultaneous deletion of NR4a1 and NR4a2 in CD8+ T cells led to a less exhausted phenotype characterized by reduced expression of PD1, Tim3, and Tox, as well as increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis activities, resulting in potent suppression of tumor growth. Interestingly, the transfer of activated NR4a1-/-NR4a2-/-CD8+ T cells into tumor-bearing mice gave rise to TCF1+ (Tcf7+) early memory T cells. Wild-type PD1+TIM3+CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) diminished in the secondary transfer to tumor-bearing mice, while NR4a-deficient CD8+ TILs expanded even during the secondary transfer, indicating a strong stemness of memory T cells due to NR4a loss. We discovered that NR4a directly repressed the expression of Tcf7 by binding to the enhancer region of the Tcf7 gene. Collectively, these findings indicate that inhibiting NR4a in tumors represents a potent strategy for immuno-oncotherapy by enhancing stemness and reducing exhaustion of memory T cells.
Project description:Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) play a crucial role in the elimination of cancer cells. However, within the intra-tumor microenvironment, these cells eventually undergo cell death or enter a state of dysfunction known as "exhaustion". T cell exhaustion not only impairs the efficacy of tumor immunity but also contributes to resistance against immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Our previous investigations have demonstrated that the NR4a family of nuclear receptors, induced by chronic TCR stimulation, plays a pivotal role in driving exhaustion. These receptors enhance the transcription of inhibitory molecules, such as PD1, while suppressing the expression of functional molecules, including cytokines. However, it remains unclear at which stage of T cell differentiation NR4a exerts its influence and whether the loss of NR4a can "rejuvenate" T cell fate. In the present study, we confirmed that simultaneous deletion of NR4a1 and NR4a2 in CD8+ T cells led to a less exhausted phenotype characterized by reduced expression of PD1, Tim3, and Tox, as well as increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis activities, resulting in potent suppression of tumor growth. Interestingly, the transfer of activated NR4a1-/-NR4a2-/-CD8+ T cells into tumor-bearing mice gave rise to TCF1+ (Tcf7+) early memory T cells. Wild-type PD1+TIM3+CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) diminished in the secondary transfer to tumor-bearing mice, while NR4a-deficient CD8+ TILs expanded even during the secondary transfer, indicating a strong stemness of memory T cells due to NR4a loss. We discovered that NR4a directly repressed the expression of Tcf7 by binding to the enhancer region of the Tcf7 gene. Collectively, these findings indicate that inhibiting NR4a in tumors represents a potent strategy for immuno-oncotherapy by enhancing stemness and reducing exhaustion of memory T cells.