The tumor microenvironment disarms CD8+ T lymphocyte function via a miR-26a-EZH2 axis.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
One of the most important factors that limit the potency of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses is the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we provide evidence that miR-26a is a negative regulator of CTL function in the TME. Specifically, we identified miR-26a as a crucial suppressor gene in CTLs from the TME, as we found that, miR-26a expression was elevated in CTLs to respond to TME secretome stimulation. CTLs from miR-26a-transgenic mice showed impaired IFNγ and granzyme B production in response to their cognate antigen. Conversely, we found that miR-26a inhibition in CTLs could effectively increase the cytotoxicity and suppress tumor growth. Mechanically, we identified EZH2 as a direct target of miR-26a. miR-26a and EZH2 expression were found to be inversely correlated in CTLs, and the inhibition of EZH2 in CTLs impairs CTL function. These functional correlations were validated in a cohort of non-small cell lung cancer patients, indicating that the miR-26a-EZH2 axis is clinically relevant. Our findings suggested that miR-26a silencing as a novel strategy to improve the efficacy of CTL-based cancer immunotherapy.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Long, H; Xiang, T; Luo, J; Li, F; Lin, R; Liu, S; Jiang, S; Hu, C; Chen, G; Wong, E; Wan, Y; Li, Q-J; Zhu, B
Published Date
- 2016
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 5 / 12
Start / End Page
- e1245267 -
PubMed ID
- 28123882
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC5214597
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 2162-4011
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1080/2162402X.2016.1245267
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States