Tumor-Specific T Cells Exacerbate Mortality and Immune Dysregulation during Sepsis

Sepsis induces significant immune dysregulation characterized by lymphocyte apoptosis and alterations in the cytokine milieu. Because cancer patients exhibit a 10-fold greater risk of developing sepsis compared with the general population, we aimed to understand how pre-existing malignancy alters sepsis-induced immune dysregulation. To address this question, we assessed the impact of tumor-specific CD8⁺ T cells on the immune response in a mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. Tumor-bearing animals containing Thy1.1⁺ tumor-specific CD8⁺ T cells were subjected to CLP, and groups of animals received anti-Thy1.1 mAb to deplete tumor-specific CD8⁺ T cells or isotype control. Results indicated that depleting tumor-specific T cells significantly improved mortality from sepsis. The presence of tumor-specific CD8⁺ T cells resulted in increased expression of the 2B4 coinhibitory receptor and increased apoptosis of endogenous CD8⁺ T cells. Moreover, tumor-specific T cells were not reduced in number in the tumors during sepsis but did exhibit impaired IFN-γ production in the tumor, tumor draining lymph node, and spleen 24 h after CLP. Our research provides novel insight into the mechanisms by which pre-existing malignancy contributes to increased mortality during sepsis.