[HTML][HTML] Tumor invasion in draining lymph nodes is associated with Treg accumulation in breast cancer patients

NG Núñez, J Tosello Boari, RN Ramos… - Nature …, 2020 - nature.com
NG Núñez, J Tosello Boari, RN Ramos, W Richer, N Cagnard, CD Anderfuhren, LL Niborski…
Nature communications, 2020nature.com
Tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN) invasion by metastatic cells in breast cancer correlates
with poor prognosis and is associated with local immunosuppression, which can be partly
mediated by regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here, we study Tregs from matched tumor-invaded
and non-invaded TDLNs, and breast tumors. We observe that Treg frequencies increase
with nodal invasion, and that Tregs express higher levels of co-inhibitory/stimulatory
receptors than effector cells. Also, while Tregs show conserved suppressive function in …
Abstract
Tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN) invasion by metastatic cells in breast cancer correlates with poor prognosis and is associated with local immunosuppression, which can be partly mediated by regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here, we study Tregs from matched tumor-invaded and non-invaded TDLNs, and breast tumors. We observe that Treg frequencies increase with nodal invasion, and that Tregs express higher levels of co-inhibitory/stimulatory receptors than effector cells. Also, while Tregs show conserved suppressive function in TDLN and tumor, conventional T cells (Tconvs) in TDLNs proliferate and produce Th1-inflammatory cytokines, but are dysfunctional in the tumor. We describe a common transcriptomic signature shared by Tregs from tumors and nodes, including CD80, which is significantly associated with poor patient survival. TCR RNA-sequencing analysis indicates trafficking between TDLNs and tumors and ongoing Tconv/Treg conversion. Overall, TDLN Tregs are functional and express a distinct pattern of druggable co-receptors, highlighting their potential as targets for cancer immunotherapy.
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