Peripheral changes in T cells predict efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Juanfeng Lao1, Huiting Xu2, Zibin Liang3
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, China.
Abstract:
The application of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibodies has brought great benefits to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Nevertheless, not all patients respond to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. This study aimed to find response markers to predict efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in NSCLC patients. 80 patients with NSCLC who would accept anti-PD-1 immunotherapy were recruited, and peripheral blood was obtained before and after treatment. Flow cytometry was used to detect proportions of circulating cell subsets and expression of co-stimulatory molecules, co-inhibitory molecules and cytokines in T cells from pre- and post-treatment patients. Results showed that proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, NK, γδT and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells were higher and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were lower in responders (n = 50) after treatment but no obvious difference was found in non-responders (n = 30). After treatment, responders showed an increase in the frequency of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules, as well as the production of cytokines in T cells. This study indicates that monitoring the alterations of immune markers in circulating cells from NSCLC patients may be helpful to discriminate responders and non-responders, which provides a potential novel way to assess efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
Insights
Monitoring immune cell changes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients can predict response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. This helps identify patients who will benefit from this cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibodies offer significant benefits for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
- However, predicting patient response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictive markers for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy efficacy in NSCLC patients.
- To investigate alterations in circulating immune cell subsets and T cell markers post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 80 NSCLC patients undergoing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
- Collected peripheral blood samples pre- and post-treatment.
- Utilized flow cytometry to analyze circulating cell subsets and T cell marker expression (co-stimulatory, co-inhibitory molecules, cytokines).
Main Results:
- Responders (n=50) showed increased CD4+, CD8+ T cells, NK, γδT, and MAIT cells, and decreased regulatory T cells (Tregs) post-treatment.
- Non-responders (n=30) exhibited no significant changes in these cell populations.
- Responders demonstrated increased frequencies of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules and enhanced cytokine production in T cells.
Conclusions:
- Monitoring changes in circulating immune markers can help differentiate responders from non-responders to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
- This approach offers a potential new method for assessing immunotherapy efficacy in NSCLC.
