Lack of SMARCB1 expression characterizes a subset of human and murine peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) is a heterogeneous group of malignancies with poor outcome. Here, we identify a subgroup, PTCL-NOS^SMARCB1-, which is characterized by the lack of the SMARCB1 protein and occurs more frequently in young patients. Human and murine PTCL-NOS^SMARCB1- show similar DNA methylation profiles, with hypermethylation of T-cell-related genes and hypomethylation of genes involved in myeloid development. Single-cell analyses of human and murine tumors revealed a rich and complex network of interactions between tumor cells and an immunosuppressive and exhausted tumor microenvironment (TME). In a drug screen, we identified histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) as a class of drugs effective against PTCL-NOS^Smarcb1-. In vivo treatment of mouse tumors with SAHA, a pan-HDACi, triggered remodeling of the TME, promoting replenishment of lymphoid compartments and reversal of the exhaustion phenotype. These results provide a rationale for further exploration of HDACi combination therapies targeting PTCL-NOS^SMARCB1- within the TME.