Spatial multiplex analysis of lung cancer reveals that regulatory T cells attenuate KRAS-G12C inhibitor-induced immune responses

Sci Adv. 2024 Nov;10(44):eadl6464. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adl6464. Epub 2024 Nov 1.

Abstract

Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS)-G12C inhibition causes remodeling of the lung tumor immune microenvironment and synergistic responses to anti-PD-1 treatment, but only in T cell infiltrated tumors. To investigate mechanisms that restrain combination immunotherapy sensitivity in immune-excluded tumors, we used imaging mass cytometry to explore cellular distribution in an immune-evasive KRAS mutant lung cancer model. Cellular spatial pattern characterization revealed a community where CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and dendritic cells were gathered, suggesting localized T cell activation. KRAS-G12C inhibition led to increased PD-1 expression, proliferation, and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells, and CXCL9 expression by dendritic cells, indicating an effector response. However, suppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) were also found in frequent contact with effector T cells within this community. Lung adenocarcinoma clinical samples showed similar communities. Depleting Tregs led to enhanced tumor control in combination with anti-PD-1 and KRAS-G12C inhibitor. Combining Treg depletion with KRAS inhibition shows therapeutic potential for increasing antitumoral immune responses.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Lung Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Lung Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)* / genetics
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory* / immunology
  • Tumor Microenvironment* / immunology

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • KRAS protein, human
  • Hras protein, mouse