Although T cells can exert potent anti-tumor immunity, a subset of T helper (Th) cells producing interleukin-22 (IL-22) in breast and lung tumors is linked to dismal patient outcome. Here, we examined the mechanisms whereby these T cells contribute to disease. In murine models of lung and breast cancer, constitutional and T cell-specific deletion of Il22 reduced metastases without affecting primary tumor growth. Deletion of the IL-22 receptor on cancer cells decreases metastasis to a degree similar to that seen in IL-22-deficient mice. IL-22 induced high expression of CD155, which bound to the activating receptor CD226 on NK cells. Excessive activation led to decreased amounts of CD226 and functionally impaired NK cells, which elevated the metastatic burden. IL-22 signaling was also associated with CD155 expression in human datasets and with poor patient outcomes. Taken together, our findings reveal an immunosuppressive circuit activated by T cell-derived IL-22 that promotes lung metastasis.
Institut(e)Unit for Clinical Pharmacology (KKG-EKLiP)
FörderungenMelanoma Research Alliance H2020 Program of the European Union Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Program Training Network for Optimizing Adoptive T Cell Therapy of Cancer - H2020 Program of the European Union Else Kroner-Fresenius-Stiftung German Cancer Aid Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung Ernst-Jung-Stiftung Bundesministerium fur Bildung und Forschung m4 award of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs European Research Council ERC Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) International Doctoral Program i-Target: Immunotargeting of Cancer - Elite Network of Bavaria Hector Foundation Fritz Bender Foundation Deutsche Jose Carreras Leukamie-Stiftung Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen Neuherberg, Germany DFG Novartis - DFG under Germany's Excellence Strategy Else Kroner Memorial Stipendium Jung Foundation for Science and Research (Ernst Jung Career Development Award)