Tumor-Repopulating Cells Induce PD-1 Expression in CD8⁺ T Cells by Transferring Kynurenine and AhR Activation

Highlights

• IFN-γ produced by CD8⁺ T cells stimulates Kyn release by TRCs

• Kyn is transferred into CD8⁺ T cells

• Kyn-activated AhR binds to and upregulates PD-1

• TCR signaling facilitates Kyn-AhR pathway via upregulating Kyn transporters

Summary

Despite the clinical successes fostered by immune checkpoint inhibitors, mechanisms underlying PD-1 upregulation in tumor-infiltrating T cells remain an enigma. Here, we show that tumor-repopulating cells (TRCs) drive PD-1 upregulation in CD8⁺ T cells through a transcellular kynurenine (Kyn)-aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. Interferon-γ produced by CD8⁺ T cells stimulates release of high levels of Kyn produced by TRCs, which is transferred into adjacent CD8⁺ T cells via the transporters SLC7A8 and PAT4. Kyn induces and activates AhR and thereby upregulates PD-1 expression. This Kyn-AhR pathway is confirmed in both tumor-bearing mice and cancer patients and its blockade enhances antitumor adoptive T cell therapy efficacy. Thus, we uncovered a mechanism of PD-1 upregulation with potential tumor immunotherapeutic applications.