Munc13-4 mediates tumor immune evasion by regulating the sorting and secretion of PD-L1 via exosomes.

ABSTRACT: Tumor-derived exosomes carry programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which binds programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) on T cells, suppressing immune responses locally and systemically. However, the mechanisms governing exosomal PD-L1 sorting and secretion remain elusive. Here, we identify Munc13-4 as a crucial regulator of this process. Deletion of Munc13-4 in breast tumors enhances T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity, suppresses tumor growth, and improves the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Mechanistically, Munc13-4 collaborates with hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (HRS), Rab27, and SNAREs to facilitate PD-L1 sorting and secretion via exosomes. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis of the Munc13-4-Rab27a complex provide structural insights in

SUBMITTER: Liu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12518824 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature