NR4a1/2 deletion promotes accumulation of TCF1+ stem-like precursors of exhausted CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment

Autor: Tanakorn Srirat, Taeko Hayakawa, Setsuko Mise-Omata, Kensuke Nakagawara, Makoto Ando, Shigeyuki Shichino, Minako Ito, Akihiko Yoshimura
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Cell Reports, Vol 43, Iss 3, Pp 113898- (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2211-1247
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113898
Popis: Summary: T cell exhaustion impairs tumor immunity and contributes to resistance against immune checkpoint inhibitors. The nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A (NR4a) family of nuclear receptors plays a crucial role in driving T cell exhaustion. In this study, we observe that NR4a1 and NR4a2 deficiency in CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) results in potent tumor eradication and exhibits not only reduced exhaustion characteristics but also an increase in the precursors/progenitors of exhausted T (Pre-Tex) cell fraction. Serial transfers of NR4a1−/−NR4a2−/−CD8+ TILs into tumor-bearing mice result in the expansion of TCF1+ (Tcf7+) stem-like Pre-Tex cells, whereas wild-type TILs are depleted upon secondary transfer. NR4a1/2-deficient CD8+ T cells express higher levels of stemness/memory-related genes and illustrate potent mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Collectively, these findings suggest that inhibiting NR4a in tumors represents a potent immuno-oncotherapy strategy by increasing stem-like Pre-Tex cells and reducing exhaustion of CD8+ T cells.
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