FYN-TRAF3IP2 induces NF-κB signaling-driven peripheral T cell lymphoma

Nat Cancer. 2021 Jan;2(1):98-113. doi: 10.1038/s43018-020-00161-w. Epub 2021 Jan 13.

Abstract

Angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL) and peripheral T cell lymphoma not-otherwise-specified (PTCL, NOS) have poor prognosis and lack driver actionable targets for directed therapies in most cases. Here we identify FYN-TRAF3IP2 as a recurrent oncogenic gene fusion in AITL and PTCL, NOS tumors. Mechanistically, we show that FYN-TRAF3IP2 leads to aberrant NF-κB signaling downstream of T cell receptor activation. Consistent with a driver oncogenic role, FYN-TRAF3IP2 expression in hematopoietic progenitors induces NF-κB-driven T cell transformation in mice and cooperates with loss of the Tet2 tumor suppressor in PTCL development. Moreover, abrogation of NF-κB signaling in FYN-TRAF3IP2-induced tumors with IκB kinase inhibitors delivers strong anti-lymphoma effects in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrate an oncogenic and pharmacologically targetable role for FYN-TRAF3IP2 in PTCLs and call for the clinical testing of anti-NF-κB targeted therapies in these diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
  • Animals
  • Immunoblastic Lymphadenopathy* / genetics
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral* / genetics
  • Mice
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • Oncogenes
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • NF-kappa B
  • Traf3ip2 protein, mouse