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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophils with Anti-Tumor Properties
Published on: June 19, 2015
Neutrophils dominate the immune cell composition in non-small cell lung cancer
Julia Kargl1,2, Stephanie E Busch1, Grace H Y Yang1
1Clinical Research Division, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA.
Abstract:
The response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is just 20%. To improve this figure, several early phase clinical trials combining novel immunotherapeutics with immune checkpoint blockade have been initiated. Unfortunately, these trials have been designed without a strong foundational knowledge of the immune landscape present in NSCLC. Here, we use a flow cytometry panel capable of measuring 51 immune cell populations to comprehensively identify the immune cell composition and function in NSCLC. The results show that the immune cell composition is fundamentally different in lung adenocarcinoma as compared with lung squamous cell carcinoma, and that neutrophils are the most prevalent immune cell type. Using T-cell receptor-β sequencing and tumour reactivity assays, we predict that tumour reactive T cells are frequently present in NSCLC. These results should help to guide the design of clinical trials and the direction of future research in this area.
Insights
Understanding the immune landscape in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is crucial for improving immunotherapy response rates. This study comprehensively maps NSCLC immune cells, revealing key differences between subtypes and identifying neutrophils as the most common type.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy shows limited efficacy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with response rates around 20%.
- Current clinical trials combining novel immunotherapeutics with ICI blockade lack a comprehensive understanding of the NSCLC immune microenvironment.
- Identifying the specific immune cell populations and their functions within NSCLC is essential for optimizing treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively characterize the immune cell composition and function in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- To identify differences in immune cell profiles between lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma.
- To provide a foundational understanding of the NSCLC immune landscape to guide future clinical trial design.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a flow cytometry panel to analyze 51 distinct immune cell populations in NSCLC.
- Employed T-cell receptor-β sequencing to assess T-cell repertoire and clonality.
- Conducted tumor reactivity assays to evaluate the functional potential of T cells within the tumor microenvironment.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated significant differences in immune cell composition between lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma.
- Identified neutrophils as the predominant immune cell type within the NSCLC tumor microenvironment.
- Provided evidence for the frequent presence of tumor-reactive T cells in NSCLC, suggesting potential for T-cell-based therapies.
Conclusions:
- The distinct immune profiles of NSCLC subtypes necessitate tailored therapeutic approaches.
- Neutrophils represent a major immune component in NSCLC that warrants further investigation.
- The presence of tumor-reactive T cells offers a promising avenue for enhancing immunotherapy efficacy in NSCLC.
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