Natural killer (NK) cells and T cells are key effectors of antitumor immune responses and major targets of checkpoint inhibitors. In multiple cancer types, we find that the expression of Wnt signaling potentiator R-spondin genes (e.g., RSPO3) is associated with favorable prognosis and positively correlates with gene signatures of both NK cells and T cells. Although endothelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts comprise the R-spondin 3-producing cells, NK cells and T cells correspondingly express the R-spondin 3 receptor LGR6 within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Exogenous expression or intratumor injection of R-spondin 3 in tumors enhanced the infiltration and function of cytotoxic effector cells, which led to tumor regression. NK cells and CD8+T cells independently and cooperatively contributed to R-spondin 3-induced control of distinct tumor types. The effect of R-spondin 3 was mediated in part through upregulation of MYC and ribosomal biogenesis. Importantly, R-spondin 3 expression enhanced tumor sensitivity to anti-PD-1 therapy, thereby highlighting new therapeutic avenues.SIGNIFICANCE: Our study identifies novel targets in enhancing antitumor immunity and sensitizing immune checkpoint inhibition, which provides a rationale for developing new immunotherapies against cancers. It also offers mechanistic insights on Wnt signaling-mediated modulation of anticancer immu-nity in the TME and implications for a putative R-spondin-LGR6 axis in regulating NK-cell biology.
基金:
NIH [R01DK105014, 1R01CA248019, DA038017, AI148080, AR073228]; CCTST Pilot Collaborative Studies Grant; Taub Foundation; EvansMDS Foundation; National Natural Science Foundation of China [81570196]; American Heart Association; Arnold W. Strauss Fellow Award; Pelotonia postdoctoral fellowship
第一作者单位:[1]Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr, Div Pathol, Cincinnati, OH USA[2]Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr, Div Expt Hematol, Cincinnati, OH USA[3]Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr, Div Canc Biol, Cincinnati, OH USA
通讯作者:
通讯机构:[1]Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr, Div Pathol, Cincinnati, OH USA[2]Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr, Div Expt Hematol, Cincinnati, OH USA[3]Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr, Div Canc Biol, Cincinnati, OH USA[14]UT Hlth San Antonio, Dept Cell Syst & Anat, Dept Pathol & Lab Med, Joe R & Teresa Lozano Long Sch Med,Mays Canc Ctr, 8403 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229 USA
推荐引用方式(GB/T 7714):
Tang Yuting,Xu Qian,Hu Liang,et al.Tumor Microenvironment-Derived R-spondins Enhance Antitumor Immunity to Suppress Tumor Growth and Sensitize for Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy[J].CANCER DISCOVERY.2021,11(12):3142-3157.doi:10.1158/2159-8290.CD-20-0833.
APA:
Tang, Yuting,Xu, Qian,Hu, Liang,Yan, Xiaomei,Feng, Xiaomin...&Huang, Gang.(2021).Tumor Microenvironment-Derived R-spondins Enhance Antitumor Immunity to Suppress Tumor Growth and Sensitize for Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy.CANCER DISCOVERY,11,(12)
MLA:
Tang, Yuting,et al."Tumor Microenvironment-Derived R-spondins Enhance Antitumor Immunity to Suppress Tumor Growth and Sensitize for Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy".CANCER DISCOVERY 11..12(2021):3142-3157