The transcription factor IRF2 drives interferon-mediated CD8+ T cell exhaustion to restrict anti-tumor immunity
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ABSTRACT: Type I Interferons (IFN-I) stimulate pro-inflammatory programs critical for immune activation, but also induce immune-suppressive feedback circuits that contribute to the failure of cancer control. Yet, how IFN-Is differentially induce these opposing programs remains enigmatic. We establish that the transcription factor Interferon Regulatory Factor 2 (IRF2) is a central feedback molecule attenuating IFN signaling and driving CD8 T cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment. IRF2 inhibits CD8 T cell effector function in response to sustained interferon signaling by programming T cell exhaustion. Lineage-specific deletion of IRF2 limits CD8 T cells exhaustion to maintain effector functions, thereby enabling long-term tumor control, and increased responsiveness to immune-checkpoint and adoptive cell therapies. Long-term tumor control by IRF2-deficient CD8 T cells is dependent on continuous integration of both IFN-I and IFN? signals, which in the absence of IRF2, potentiate sustained effector function instead of exhaustion. Thus, IRF2 redirects IFN signalling to drive T cell exhaustion and prevent tumor control.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE199177 | GEO | 2022/11/10
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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