Work

OSMR coordinates a self-perpetuating circuit linking chemoresistance and neutrophil-driven immunosuppression in gastric cancer

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Chemoresistance and immunosuppression present major challenges in gastric cancer (GC) treatment, with their interplay remaining poorly understood. We identify the Oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) as a central regulator coordinating both chemoresistance and neutrophil-mediated immunosuppression. OSMR was significantly upregulated in GC patients, correlating with poor chemotherapy response and reduced CD8 + T cell infiltration. Mechanistically, OSMR directly recruits PI3K, amplifying PI3K/AKT signaling to increase cyclin E2 (CCNE2) expression, thereby sustaining tumor cell survival under chemotherapy-induced stress. Crucially, we uncovered a novel immunoregulatory cascade: OSMR drives BMP5 transcriptional activation, orchestrating N2-polarization of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) and upregulating PD-L1 expression on TANs, ultimately impairing CD8 + T cell cytotoxicity. Dysfunctional CD8 + T cells secreted IL31, activating the OSMR pathway in GC cells and thereby forming a self-perpetuating OSMR-BMP5-IL31 feedback circuit that sustains therapeutic resistance. Therapeutically, OSMR neutralization with vixarelimab synergized with fluorouracil to overcome chemoresistance and reinstate anti-tumor immunity in GC preclinical models. Our findings establish OSMR as a molecular linchpin connecting intrinsic tumor survival pathways (PI3K/CCNE2) with extrinsic immunosuppressive reprogramming (BMP5/TANs/CD8 + T cells), providing a clinically actionable target to overcome treatment resistance in GC.

Source: Neoplasia

DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2026.101279