The lncRNA EPIC1 suppresses dsRNA-induced type I IFN signaling and is a therapeutic target to enhance TNBC response to PD-1 inhibition.

ABSTRACT: Increases in retroelement-derived double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in various types of cancer cells facilitate the activation of antitumor immune responses. The long noncoding RNA EPIC1 interacts with the histone methyltransferase EZH2 and contributes to tumor immune evasion. Here, we found that EPIC1 in tumor cells suppressed cytoplasmic dsRNA accumulation, type I interferon (IFN) responses, and antitumor immunity. In various cancer cell lines, knockdown of EPIC1 stimulated the production of dsRNA from retroelements and an antiviral-like type I IFN response that activated immune cells. EPIC1 inhibited the expression of LINE, SINE, and LTR retroelements that were also repressed by EZH2, suggesting a potential role for the EPIC1-EZH2 interaction in regulating dsRNA production. In a humanized m

SUBMITTER: Pattarayan D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12640557 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature