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Induction of ferroptosis,an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death,holds promise as a strategy to overcome tumor resistance to conventional therapies and enhance immunotherapy responses. However,while the susceptibility of tumor cells to ferroptosis is extensively studied,limited data exists on the vulnerability of immune cells to disturbed iron balance and lipid peroxidation. Here,we found that T-cell stimulation rewires iron and redox homeostasis and by increasing levels of reactive oxygen species and labile iron promotes lipid peroxidation and T-cells’ ferroptosis. Upon stimulation,we detected changes in the balance of ferroptosis-suppressive proteins,including decrease of GPX4. Subsequently,we identified GPX4 as a master regulator orchestrating T/CAR-T-cells’ sensitivity to ferroptosis and observed that GPX4 inhibitors impair CAR-T cells’ antitumor functions. Our study demonstrated differential GPX4 expression and diverse susceptibility to ferroptosis between CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. Among analyzed subsets of naïve,central memory (CM),effector memory (EM),and terminally differentiated effector memory (TEMRA),CD8⁺ EM and CD8⁺ TEMRA cells exhibited the highest sensitivity to ferroptosis. We also showed that ferroptosis limited the anti-tumor efficacy of CAR-T cells,while ferroptosis inhibition improved their therapeutic effect,both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings are not only important to understand vulnerabilities of CAR-T cells but may also hold particular significance for their therapeutic development. In this context,future anticancer therapies should be carefully designed to selectively induce the ferroptosis of tumor cells without impeding cytotoxic cells’ antitumor efficacy. Additionally,we postulate that promoting less differentiated phenotype of CAR-T cells should be exploited therapeutically to create CAR-T products characterized by decreased sensitivity to ferroptosis within tumor microenvironment.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00262-025-04133-w. View Publication

AbstractBackgroundAdoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing natural killer (NK) cells has demonstrated success against hematological malignancies. Efficacy against solid tumors has been limited by poor NK cell survival and function in the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To enhance efficacy against solid tumors,stimulatory cytokines have been incorporated into CAR-NK cell therapeutic approaches. However,current cytokine strategies have limitations,including systemic toxicities,exogenous dependencies,and unwanted TME bystander effects. Here,we aimed to overcome these limitations by modifying CAR-NK cells to express a constitutively active interleukin (IL)-7 receptor,termed C7R,capable of providing intrinsic CAR-NK cell activation that does not rely on or produce exogenous signals nor activate bystander cells.MethodsWe examined persistence,antitumor function,and transcriptional profiles of CAR-NK cells coexpressing C7R in a novel tumor immune microenvironment (TiME) co-culture system and against hematologic and solid tumor xenografts in vivo.ResultsPeripheral blood NK cells expressing a CAR directed against the solid tumor antigen GD2 and modified with C7R demonstrated enhanced tumor killing and persistence in vitro compared with CAR-NK cells without cytokine support and similar functions to CAR-NK cells supplemented with recombinant IL-15. C7R.CAR-NK cells exhibited enhanced survival and proliferation within neuroblastoma TiME xenografts in vivo but produced poor long-term tumor control compared with CAR-NK cells supplemented with IL-15. Similar results were seen using C7R-expressing CD19.CAR-NK cells against CD19+leukemia xenografts. Gene expression analysis revealed that chronic signaling via C7R induced a transcriptional signature consistent with intratumor stressed NK cells with blunted effector function. We identified gene candidates associated with chronic cytokine-stressed NK cells that could be targeted to reduce CAR-NK cell stress within the solid TME.ConclusionC7R promoted CAR-NK cell survival in hostile TMEs independent of exogenous signals but resulted in poor antitumor function in vivo. Our data reveals the detrimental role of continuous IL-7 signaling in CAR-NK cells and provides insights into proper application of cytokine signals when attempting to enhance CAR-NK cell antitumor activity. View Publication

ABSTRACTCD8+ T cells are central to targeting and eliminating cancer cells. Their function is critically supported by type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s),which both prime antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells in tumour‐draining lymph nodes (tdLNs) and sustain primed CD8+ T cells within tumours. Despite their importance,the spatiotemporal organisation of cDC1s within tumours and their diverse functional roles remain poorly understood. Here,we use scRNAseq and unbiased spatial analysis to construct a detailed map of cDC1 states and distribution within immunogenic mouse tumours during CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated rejection. We reveal two distinct cDC1 activation states characterised by differential expression of genes linked to anti‐tumour immunity,including Cxcl9 and Il12b. Strikingly,Il12b‐expressing cDC1s are CCR7+ and enriched at tumour borders,where they closely associate with stem‐like TCF1+ CD8+ T cells. In contrast,CCR7– Cxcl9‐expressing cDC1s are preferentially found within the tumour parenchyma alongside effector CD8+ T cells. Analysis of a published dataset of human tumours similarly reveals a spatial association between CCR7+ cDC1 and stem‐like TCF1+ CD8+ T cells. These findings uncover a highly spatially coordinated interaction between cDC1s and CD8+ T cells within tumours,shedding light on the intricate cellular dynamics that underpin effective anti‐tumour immunity. Using scRNAseq and spatial analysis,we analyse cDC1 states and spatial distribution in tumours during immune‐mediated rejection. We identify two cDC1 activation states,each occupying different regions and associated with distinct CD8+ T cell populations. This reveals the spatial organisation of cDC1 states that may be key to anti‐tumour immunity. View Publication

FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells restrict excessive immune responses and immunopathology as well as reactivity to self or environmental antigens and thus are crucial for peripheral immune tolerance. The transcription factor Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4) controls differentiation and function of T cells. In Treg cells,IRF4 is required for peripheral activation and maturation to effector Treg (eTreg) cells with enhanced suppressive function. However,the mechanisms of Treg cell regulation by IRF4 are not fully understood. Here,we analyze the role of IRF4 in differentiation and maintenance of Treg cells using IRF4-deficient mice and a T cell transfer model,that allows Irf4 inactivation in peripheral T cells. We demonstrate that loss of one Irf4 allele already results in impaired eTreg cell differentiation and decreased Treg cell homeostasis,indicating that IRF4 controls peripheral Treg cell differentiation in a gene dosage dependent mode. Peripheral Irf4 inactivation was also associated with enhanced production of inflammatory but also inhibitory cytokines by Treg cells. ATAC sequencing of Treg cells after mutation of one or both Irf4 alleles revealed regions with altered accessibility in genes involved in Treg cell function. In the FoxP3 gene,Irf4 inactivation resulted in reduced ATAC signals in the promoter region and in the conserved non-coding sequence (CNS) 2,required for stability of FoxP3 expression in peripheral Treg cells in response to TCR stimulation. IRF4-deficient Treg cells also displayed a reduction in open chromatin in several Treg cell specific super enhancers,mainly located in proximity to potential IRF4 binding sites. In conclusion,our results demonstrate that IRF4 controls peripheral Treg cell differentiation and homeostasis in a gene dosage dependent manner. View Publication

Previously,we reported that Lactobacillus paragasseri SBT2055 (LG2055) activates plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and induces interferon alpha (IFN-α) in vitro. Our clinical trial suggested that LG2055 intake may enhance pDC activity,supporting immune maintenance and reducing subjective common cold symptoms. However,the precise mechanisms remain unclear. In this study,we investigated how LG2055 engages with pDCs to stimulate IFN-α production. We evaluated LG2055-induced pDC activation using flow cytometry,ELISA,and phagocytosis assays. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with LG2055 and its components to evaluate immune responses. An in vitro M cell model was used to examine LG2055 translocation. We found that DNA extracted from LG2055 activated pDCs and enhanced IFN-α production via Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). Phagocytosis assays demonstrated that LG2055 DNA was internalized by PBMC-derived pDCs,enabling TLR9-mediated signaling. Additionally,LG2055 translocated across M cells in vitro,suggesting potential transport into Peyer’s patches,where it may interact with pDCs. These findings demonstrate that intestinal LG2055 can translocate across M cells,interact with pDCs,and exert immune-stimulatory effects to enhance host antiviral immunity. This study provides mechanistic insight into how dietary components support immune health and could inform the development of novel functional foods or therapeutic strategies. View Publication

BackgroundT cells are contributors to atherosclerosis pathogenesis. Granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-producing T helper (ThGM) cells,a specialized helper T cell subset that highly expresses GM-CSF but lacks other helper T cell markers,could exacerbate atherosclerosis development. Calycosin has been reported to suppress atherosclerosis progression. However,the effect of calycosin on ThGM cells is unknown. This study was designed to test the calycosin-induced impact on the pro-atherosclerotic function of ThGM cells in a mouse atherosclerosis model.MethodsApolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE−/−) mice were fed a high-fat diet and calycosin. The phenotype and cytokine expression of aortic ThGM cells were assessed by flow cytometry. Calycosin-derived influences on ThGM cell differentiation,proliferation,and function were determined by flow cytometry,quantitative RT-PCR,Immunoblotting,gene silencing assays,and co-culture with macrophages.ResultsAortic ThGM cell frequency was attenuated after calycosin administration. Live aortic ThGM cells,phenotypically featuring CD4+CCR6−CCR8−CXCR3−CCR10+,showed slower proliferation and weaker macrophage-activating capability in calycosin-treated mice. Besides,calycosin repressed in vitro ThGM cell differentiation and subsequently impaired ThGM cell-mediated macrophage activation,oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) uptake,and foam cell formation. Importantly,calycosin upregulated nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3) in ThGM cells. NR4A3 silencing partially restored the function of calycosin-treated ThGM cells.ConclusionCalycosin inhibits ThGM cell activity to suppress ThGM-cell-mediated activation of pro-atherosclerotic macrophages to ultimately ameliorate atherosclerosis progression. Therefore,we revealed a novel mechanism by which calycosin protects against atherosclerosis. View Publication

SummaryA strong interest in drugs targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) necessitates new experimental systems that incorporate key TME components. Compared to traditional 2D cell lines,3D ex vivo spheroids from patient-derived xenograft (PDX) materials may better capture patient tumor characteristics. We developed and validated a 3D tumor spheroid model from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) PDXs to enable T cell infiltration. Histologic and transcriptomic analysis suggested that tumor spheroids closely recapitulate the source PDX tumor tissues. Consistent T cell infiltration into tumor spheroids was achieved using a well-established magnetic nanoparticle technology,which maintained T cell function and tumor-killing activity. Drug treatment studies with immunotherapy agents also demonstrated the potential scalability of 3D tumor-T cell spheroids in assessing drug activity,including tumor viability and cytokine secretion. This platform provides a useful tool for evaluating drug candidates that can be translated to patient tumor responses related to both tumor intrinsic and TME factors. Graphical abstract Highlights•We developed a 3D tumor spheroid model from lung cancer patient-derived xenografts•The model enabled robust T cell infiltration and preserved T cell cytotoxic functions•Histology and RNA-seq showed that tumor spheroids closely resembled source tumors•Proof-of-concept experiments showed this platform’s utility in preclinical drug testing Biological sciences; Biotechnology; Natural sciences; Tissue Engineering View Publication

BackgroundAlthough both pre-clinical and clinical studies show promising outcomes,resulting in rapid growth of clinical trials of MSC-based therapies in recent years,the heterogeneity and therapeutic inconsistency of MSCs have severely hampered their clinical applications. Purifying homogenous MSC populations with enhanced specific functions represents one promising approach. We have demonstrated recently that the CD317+ MSCs have enhanced anti-inflammatory functions and improved therapeutic efficacy and consistency.MethodsIn the current study,we performed both in vitro and in vivo investigations to delineate whether and how CD317 regulates the immune modulation function of MSCs.ResultsOur data here indicate that the CD317 directly contributes to the immune suppression function of MSCs stimulated by TNF-α through up-regulating TSG6 via CD317/lipid-raft/TNFR1 complex. The CD317 stabilizes the TNFR1 complex,resulting in hyper-activation of the NF-κB pathway and up-regulation of TSG6,which confers the therapeutic effects of MSCs on the mouse model of ALI (acute lung injury) and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).ConclusionsThus,the CD317 stabilizes TNFR1 and confers the anti-inflammatory functions of MSCs via NF-κB/TSG6 Pathway.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-025-04527-8. View Publication

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5)-positive dermatomyositis (DM) is often complicated by rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD),leading to early mortality. Previous studies on the pathogenesis of anti-MDA5-positive DM highlighted type I interferons (IFNs),while recent investigations reported the significance of a type III IFN,IFN-λ3. We investigated a range of cytokines,including type I/II/III IFNs,in serum samples from anti-MDA5-positive DM patients collected at diagnosis before treatment introduction. Elevations of IFN-β and λ3 were identified as the hallmark of anti-MDA5-positive DM,in comparison with other myositis subtypes,systemic lupus erythematosus,and COVID-19 pneumonia. The elevation of IFN-λ3 was associated with decreased CD56dimCD16pos NK cells in circulation. The unique cytokine profile with type I/III IFN upregulation in anti-MDA5-positive DM was replicated in independent validation cohorts. A cluster analysis using serum type I/III IFN levels identified three subgroups in anti-MDA5-positive DM: mild elevations of IFN-α/β and λ3; a marked increase in IFN-λ3 alone; and pronounced elevations of IFN-α/β with mild to moderate increase in IFN-λ3. Patients in the cluster with a marked elevation of IFN-λ3 alone tended to present with RP-ILD and decreased survival. The combination of serum type I/III IFN levels could serve as a prognostic biomarker in anti-MDA5-positive DM. View Publication

IntroductionCD8+ T cells are vital in the immune control of cancer and a key player in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Recent studies have shown that microbial short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) can promote both effector and memory phenotypes in CD8+ T cells and may thereby enhance protection against cancer.MethodsIn this study,we determined the effect of SCFA butyrate on mouse CD8+ T cell function in vitro and in vivo,using the OT-I model.ResultsButyrate co-culture with anti-CD3 + anti-CD28 activated T cells in vitro enhanced the frequency of effector CD8+ IFN-γ-producing cells,and the amount of cytokine produced per cell. Culture with butyrate also enhanced the activation,TCR expression,and levels of phosphorylated mTOR proteins within CD8+ T cells but reduced proliferation rate and increased apoptosis. Butyrate-treated activated cells conferred tumor protection after adoptive transfer. Butyrate-treated cells were present at higher frequencies within the tumor compared to non-butyrate treated cells,and expressed IFN-γ. When analyzed using high dimensional cytometry,the tumors of mice that received butyrate-treated cells were enriched in clusters displaying an effector memory phenotype with high expression of IL-15Rβ and T-bet.DiscussionOur findings show that butyrate promotes the effector activity of CD8+ T cells in culture,which can persist in vivo while also stimulating memory phenotypes. Consequently,butyrate treatment may have strong application in T cell-based immunotherapies to improve protective cell functions and patient outcomes. View Publication

Neutrophils are highly abundant in the oral mucosal tissues,and their balanced activation and clearance are essential for immune homeostasis. Here,we demonstrate that neutrophils infected with the bacterial pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) are captured alive by macrophages in a manner that bypasses all known receptor-ligand interactions involved in the phagocytosis of either live or dead cells. Mechanistically,upon interaction with Pg,or its protease RgpB (gingipains),live neutrophils undergo rapid remodeling of their proteomes,generating neoepitopes. N-terminomics-based proteomic profiling identified multiple RgpB cleavage sites on several azurophilic granule proteins that are translocated to the surface of live neutrophils via low-level degranulation and activate macrophage αMβ2 integrin receptors,thus mediating internalization of non-apoptotic neutrophils within macrophage phagosomes. Macrophages with entrapped live neutrophils exhibit phenotypic and transcriptional reprogramming,consistent with inflammatory outcomes in vitro and in vivo. In contrast to the immunosuppressive outcomes associated with efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils,live neutrophil entrapment failed to fully activate several catabolic and metabolic processes and exhibited a defective activation of PPAR-γ mediated pro-resolution pathways,thereby promoting bacterial persistence and hindering the resolution of inflammation. Thus,our data demonstrate a novel immune subversion strategy unique to Pg and reveal a previously unknown mode of live neutrophil sequestration into macrophages during an infection. View Publication

BackgroundCNS stromal cells,especially fibroblasts and endothelial cells,support leukocyte accumulation through upregulation of adhesion molecules and lymphoid chemokines. While chronically activated fibroblast networks can drive pathogenic immune cell aggregates known as tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS),early stromal cell activation during CNS infection can support anti-viral T cells. However,the cell types and factors driving early stromal cell activation is poorly explored.AimsA neurotropic murine coronavirus (mCoV) infection model was used to better characterize signals that promote fibroblast networks supporting accumulation of antiviral lymphocytes. Based on the early appearance of IgD+ B cells with unknown functions during several CNS infections,we probed their potential to activate stromal cells through lymphotoxin β (LTβ),a molecule critical in maintaining fibroblast-networks in lymphoid tissues as well as promoting TLS in autoimmunity and cancers.ResultsKinetic analysis of stromal cell activation in olfactory bulbs and brains revealed that upregulation of adhesion molecules and lymphoid chemokines Ccl19,Ccl21 and Cxcl13 closely tracked viral replication. Immunohistochemistry revealed that upregulation of the fibroblast marker podoplanin (PDPN) at meningeal and perivascular sites mirrored kinetics of RNA expression. Moreover,both B cells and T cells colocalized to areas of PDPN reactivity,supporting a potential role in regulating stromal cell activation. However,specific depletion of LTβ from B cells using Mb1-creERT2 x Ltβfl/fl mice had no effect on T or B cell recruitment or viral replication. B cell depletion by anti-CD20 antibody also had no adverse effects. Surprisingly,LTβR agonism reduced viral control and parenchymal T cell localization despite increasing stromal cell lymphoid chemokines and PDPN. Additional assessment of direct stromal cell activation by the viral RNA mimic poly I:C showed induction of Pdpn and Ccl19 preceding Ltb.ConclusionsNeither B cell-derived LTβ or B cells are primary drivers of stromal cell activation networks in the CNS following mCoV infection. Although supplementary agonist mediated LTβR engagement confirmed a role for LTβ in enhancing PDPN and lymphoid chemokine expression,it impeded T cell migration to the CNS parenchyma and viral control. Our data overall indicate that stromal cells can integrate LTβR signals to tune their activation,but that LTβ is not necessarily essential and can even dysregulate protective antiviral T cell functions.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-025-03491-7. View Publication