{"title":"Regulatory T cells converted from Th1 cells in tumors suppress cancer immunity via CD39.","authors":"Sang-Nee Tan, Jing Hao, Jing Ge, Yazheng Yang, Liguo Liu, Jia Huang, Meng Lin, Xiaohong Zhao, Genyu Wang, Zhiying Yang, Ling Ni, Chen Dong","doi":"10.1084/jem.20240445","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Regulatory T (Treg) cells are known to impede antitumor immunity, yet the regulatory mechanisms and functional roles of these cells remain poorly understood. In this study, through the characterization of multiple cancer models, we identified a substantial presence of peripherally induced Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Depletion of these cells triggered antitumor responses and provided potent therapeutic effects by increasing functional CD8+ T cells. Fate-mapping and transfer experiments revealed that IFN-γ-expressing T helper (Th) 1 cells differentiated into Treg cells in response to TGF-β signaling in tumors. Pseudotime trajectory analysis further revealed the terminal differentiation of Th1-like Treg cells from Th1 cells in the TME. Tumor-resident Treg cells highly expressed T-bet, which was essential for their functions in the TME. Additionally, CD39 was highly expressed by T-bet+ Treg cells in both mouse and human tumors, and was necessary for Treg cell-mediated suppression of CD8+ T cell responses. Our study elucidated the developmental pathway of intratumoral Treg cells and highlighted novel strategies for targeting them in cancer patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":15760,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Experimental Medicine","volume":"222 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":12.6000,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Experimental Medicine","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20240445","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2025/2/5 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"IMMUNOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are known to impede antitumor immunity, yet the regulatory mechanisms and functional roles of these cells remain poorly understood. In this study, through the characterization of multiple cancer models, we identified a substantial presence of peripherally induced Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Depletion of these cells triggered antitumor responses and provided potent therapeutic effects by increasing functional CD8+ T cells. Fate-mapping and transfer experiments revealed that IFN-γ-expressing T helper (Th) 1 cells differentiated into Treg cells in response to TGF-β signaling in tumors. Pseudotime trajectory analysis further revealed the terminal differentiation of Th1-like Treg cells from Th1 cells in the TME. Tumor-resident Treg cells highly expressed T-bet, which was essential for their functions in the TME. Additionally, CD39 was highly expressed by T-bet+ Treg cells in both mouse and human tumors, and was necessary for Treg cell-mediated suppression of CD8+ T cell responses. Our study elucidated the developmental pathway of intratumoral Treg cells and highlighted novel strategies for targeting them in cancer patients.
期刊介绍:
Since its establishment in 1896, the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM) has steadfastly pursued the publication of enduring and exceptional studies in medical biology. In an era where numerous publishing groups are introducing specialized journals, we recognize the importance of offering a distinguished platform for studies that seamlessly integrate various disciplines within the pathogenesis field.
Our unique editorial system, driven by a commitment to exceptional author service, involves two collaborative groups of editors: professional editors with robust scientific backgrounds and full-time practicing scientists. Each paper undergoes evaluation by at least one editor from both groups before external review. Weekly editorial meetings facilitate comprehensive discussions on papers, incorporating external referee comments, and ensure swift decisions without unnecessary demands for extensive revisions.
Encompassing human studies and diverse in vivo experimental models of human disease, our focus within medical biology spans genetics, inflammation, immunity, infectious disease, cancer, vascular biology, metabolic disorders, neuroscience, and stem cell biology. We eagerly welcome reports ranging from atomic-level analyses to clinical interventions that unveil new mechanistic insights.