Molecular Plasticity of T Cells Informs Their Possible Adaptation in 4T1 Tumors

The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) microenvironment (TME) undergoes progressive reprogramming, transitioning from an early immune-active state to a late immune-suppressed state. While tumor cell plasticity has been extensively studied, the molecular plasticity of T cells in vivo remains poorly defined.

To characterize transcriptional changes in T cells during TNBC progression and identify stage-specific shifts in T cell function, polarization, and antigen-presenting cell (APC)-T cell interactions.

Transcriptional analysis of T cells from BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 tumors at 1, 3, and 6 weeks revealed a decline in T cell-associated genes from 194 at 1 week to 156 at 6 weeks, with a significant late-stage loss of TCR diversity and contraction of natural killer T (NKT)- and γδ T cell-related transcripts. Cytokine and transcription factor dynamics reflected temporal T cell polarization: early (1 week) IL-12α/β-STAT4 signaling supports CD4⁺ type 1 T helper cell (Th1) and type 1 CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cell (Tc1) responses; intermediate (3 weeks) IL-21 and BCL6 expression suggest transient CD8⁺ cytotoxic follicular T cell (Tfc) skewing; and late (6 weeks) AhR and IL-1β induction reflect interleukin 17/22 producing CD8⁺ T cell (Tc17/Tc22) transition. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines increased over time, while immunosuppressive mediators (e.g., IL-10) declined significantly. Antigen-presenting cell (APC)-T cell crosstalk deteriorated at 6 weeks, characterized by a reduction in the expression of co-stimulatory and APC genes. Despite an early dominance of M1-like macrophage signals (e.g., IL-12α/β), persistent expression of arginase 1 (ARG1) and other M2-associated genes indicated a stable tolerogenic niche.

TNBC progression is characterized by progressive T cell functional decline, narrowing of TCR diversity, impaired APC-T cell interactions, and sustained macrophage-driven immunosuppression. These temporally coordinated immune shifts suggest tumor-driven adaptation toward immune evasion and identify potential windows for stage-specific immunotherapeutic intervention.