Activated T cells degrade extracellular proteins to enhance effector functions
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ABSTRACT: Proteins are the most abundant source of amino acids in body fluids. However, the potential contribution of extracellular protein catabolism to the regulation of T cell immunity remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that endocytosed extracellular proteins function as an amino acid source in activated T cells, maintaining mTORC1 activity and sustaining cytokine production following T cell activation. Genetic ablation of Tfe3 impairs the activation-induced upregulation of lysosomal genes and disrupts extracellular protein catabolism, resulting in attenuated mTORC1 signaling and compromised anti-viral and anti-tumor T cell responses. The TFE3-protein-mTORC1 signaling axis demonstrates clinical relevance. CD8+PD-1+ tumor-infiltrating T cells from older patients with lung cancer display reduced lysosomal degradation capacity and impaired cytokine secretion compared to their middle-aged counterparts. This functional defect is rescued by treatment with Vismodegib, a TFE3-inducing drug. Our findings reveal lysosome-mediated extracellular protein catabolism as an important metabolic pathway supporting T cell immunity.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE291734 | GEO | 2025/11/24
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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