Distinct T cell functions enable efficient immunoediting and prevent tumor emergence of developing sarcomas.

ABSTRACT: T cells edit tumors by eliminating neoantigen-expressing tumor cells. Yet, how and when this is achieved remains uncertain. Using a murine sarcoma model with fluorescent neoantigens, we found that tumors developed later and in fewer T cell-sufficient mice (∼53% penetrance) than T cell-deficient mice (∼100%). With T cells, all emergent tumor cells had silenced neoantigens, but neoantigen-negative tumor cells were also present in every T cell-deficient mouse. This suggested silencing was necessary but not sufficient for outgrowth. Genetic removal of neoantigens restored tumor penetrance if implemented on day 5 post-tumor initiation, but not day 10, because CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells infiltrated the tissue and eliminated most neoantigen-positive and -negative tumor cells with

SUBMITTER: Cheung JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12693725 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature