Work

Anti-PD-1 antibody enhances homeostatic proliferation–induced antitumor immunity during lymphopenia recovery

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Lymphopenia induced by radiotherapy or chemotherapy can promote homeostatic proliferation of residual or adoptive lymphocytes, potentially enhancing antitumor immunity. However, this immunity diminishes rapidly with tumor progression, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the role of PD-1 signaling in homeostatic proliferation-induced antitumor immunity in malignant melanoma. Methods: T cells, and T-cell cytotoxicity during homeostatic proliferation. The PD-1/PD-L1 axis was blocked using anti-PD-1 antibodies to assess its impact on T-cell function, dendritic cell (DC) activation, and memory T-cell differentiation. Results: T cells declined over time. PD-1 expression on T cells increased progressively and correlated negatively with effector T-cell cytotoxicity. PD-1 blockade enhanced the recognition of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) by homeostatically proliferating (HP) T cells, activated DCs, and increased IFN-γ+ CD8+ T-cell numbers. Additionally, it boosted T-cell cytotoxicity and promoted the conversion of tumor-specific effector T cells into central memory T cells. Discussion: These findings indicate that the PD-1/PD-L1 axis plays a critical role in immune tolerance during homeostatic proliferation. Anti-PD-1 therapy may enhance antitumor immunity during lymphopenia recovery after chemotherapy or radiotherapy, offering a potential strategy to sustain T-cell-mediated tumor control.

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1563894

Authors: Zike Yang, Ying Zhu, Qian Wang, Qing Lin, Yahui Liu

Institutions: Xiamen University, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Southern Medical University, TCM-Intigrated Cancer Center of Southern Medical University

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: $3,801