Sorafenib-treated Th9 cells exhibit superior anti-tumor effect in lung metastasis

The lung is the second most common organ of tumor metastasis, with limited treatment options and disappointing treatment outcomes. T helper 9 (Th9) cells have been reported to be effective in the elimination of solid tumors and exhibit superior antitumor properties to T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells, which makes a potential candidate for Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) against lung metastasis. However, how Th9 cells can be massively expanded in vitro is not clear. Here, we found Sorafenib (Sora) can increase the efficiency of Th9 in vitro through ERK signaling. In addition, Sora-treated Th9 cells exhibit superior anti-tumor effects by reshaping tumor immune microenvironment in lung metastasis mice model. Thus, our findings provide a potential method to expand Th9 cells in vitro for lung metastasis treatment.