Work

Lymph Node Invasion by Melanoma Cells Is Not Required for the Induction of Incomplete Differentiation by Tumor‐Specific CD8 + T Cells

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lymph node invasion by cancer cells is a poor prognostic factor and is often associated with anti-tumor CD8+ T cell dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the role of lymph node invasion by melanoma cells in the induction of incomplete differentiation by tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. AIMS: We aimed to determine whether lymph node invasion by melanoma cells is required for this specific form of anti-tumor CD8+ T cell dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed lymph node invasion by the B16-F1 and D5.1G4 murine melanoma cell lines and evaluated tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses to these melanomas in the context of tumor-free versus tumor-involved lymph nodes. We demonstrate that CD8+ T cells recognizing antigen from established melanomas fail to acquire effector function, regardless of whether the tumor is stable or progressive. This CD8+ T cell dysfunction arises in the context of both tumor-involved and tumor-free lymph nodes draining established melanomas. CONCLUSIONS: Lymph node invasion by melanoma cells is not required for the induction of incomplete CD8+ T cell differentiation. These data and their implications for strategies to enhance CD8+ T cell responses against poorly immunogenic melanomas are discussed herein.

Source: Cancer Reports

DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.70145

Authors: Kristian M. Hargadon, Travis B. Goodloe, Stephen L. Woodall

Institution: Hampden–Sydney College

Language: English

Topic: Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,280