SUSD2 suppresses CD8+ T cell antitumor immunity by targeting IL-2 receptor signaling
Bao Zhao1,2, Weipeng Gong1, Anjun Ma3
1Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Infectious Disease Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Abstract:
Dysfunctional CD8+ T cells, which have defective production of antitumor effectors, represent a major mediator of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we show that SUSD2 is a negative regulator of CD8+ T cell antitumor function. Susd2-/- effector CD8+ T cells showed enhanced production of antitumor molecules, which consequently blunted tumor growth in multiple syngeneic mouse tumor models. Through a quantitative mass spectrometry assay, we found that SUSD2 interacted with interleukin (IL)-2 receptor α through sushi domain-dependent protein interactions and that this interaction suppressed the binding of IL-2, an essential cytokine for the effector functions of CD8+ T cells, to IL-2 receptor α. SUSD2 was not expressed on regulatory CD4+ T cells and did not affect the inhibitory function of these cells. Adoptive transfer of Susd2-/- chimeric antigen receptor T cells induced a robust antitumor response in mice, highlighting the potential of SUSD2 as an immunotherapy target for cancer.
Insights
SUSD2 negatively regulates CD8+ T cell antitumor immunity by blocking IL-2 binding. Removing SUSD2 enhances T cell function, blunts tumor growth, and shows potential for cancer immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Dysfunctional CD8+ T cells contribute to tumor immunosuppression.
- Identifying regulators of CD8+ T cell function is crucial for cancer immunotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of SUSD2 in regulating CD8+ T cell antitumor function.
- To explore SUSD2 as a potential target for cancer immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized knockout mouse models (Susd2-/-) to assess CD8+ T cell function.
- Employed quantitative mass spectrometry to identify protein interactions.
- Analyzed the effect of SUSD2 on IL-2 receptor alpha binding and T cell effector molecule production.
Main Results:
- SUSD2 acts as a negative regulator of CD8+ T cell antitumor function.
- Susd2-/- CD8+ T cells exhibited enhanced effector molecule production and suppressed tumor growth.
- SUSD2 interacts with IL-2 receptor alpha, inhibiting IL-2 binding and subsequent T cell activation.
- SUSD2 did not impact regulatory CD4+ T cell function.
- Adoptive transfer of Susd2-/- chimeric antigen receptor T cells demonstrated potent antitumor responses.
Conclusions:
- SUSD2 is a key negative regulator of CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity.
- Targeting SUSD2 offers a promising strategy for enhancing cancer immunotherapy efficacy.
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