VISTA immune checkpoint blunts radiotherapy-induced antitumor immune response.

ABSTRACT: Radiotherapy (RT) is a key treatment for solid neoplasms like head and neck cancer (HNC), but it can also activate and recruit immunosuppressive myeloid cells, causing treatment failure. In this study, we examine the role of V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) on myeloid cells during RT. We discovered high VISTA expression on myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of both murine and human HNC, with RT increasing VISTA⁺ myeloid cells in the TME and circulation. Compared to VISTA^+/+ mice, VISTA^-/- mice showed improved tumor control with RT, with their macrophages and neutrophils exhibiting antitumorigenic properties on sc-RNA-seq analysis, especially with RT. Combining anti-VISTA antibodies (active or silent Fc) with RT

SUBMITTER: Nambiar DK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12832042 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature