Tumor-initiating stem cells fine-tune the plasticity of neutrophils to sculpt a protective niche.

ABSTRACT: The heterogeneous nature of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) has been recognized, but how different cell states of TANs emerge, evolve, distribute, and impact cancer immunotherapy efficacy remain elusive. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and genetic manipulations, we show that anti-PDL1 + CD40 agonist immunotherapy can induce interferon responses in TANs, allowing them to regain anti-tumor activities in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). In contrast, TANs residing at the tumor-stroma interface can preserve their immune-suppressive state. Importantly, we identify a group of SOX2^High tumor-initiating stem cells (tSCs) at the tumor-stroma interface that upregulate fatty acid desaturase 1 (Fads1) to produce arachidonic acid (AA). This tSC-specific pathway

SUBMITTER: Guo W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12700342 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature