PTPN2 elicits cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous effects on antitumor immunity in triple-negative breast cancer

Sci Adv. 2022 Feb 25;8(8):eabk3338. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abk3338. Epub 2022 Feb 23.

Abstract

The tumor-suppressor PTPN2 is diminished in a subset of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs). Paradoxically, PTPN2-deficiency in tumors or T cells in mice can facilitate T cell recruitment and/or activation to promote antitumor immunity. Here, we explored the therapeutic potential of targeting PTPN2 in tumor cells and T cells. PTPN2-deficiency in TNBC associated with T cell infiltrates and PD-L1 expression, whereas low PTPN2 associated with improved survival. PTPN2 deletion in murine mammary epithelial cells TNBC models, did not promote tumorigenicity but increased STAT-1-dependent T cell recruitment and PD-L1 expression to repress tumor growth and enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1. Furthermore, the combined deletion of PTPN2 in tumors and T cells facilitated T cell recruitment and activation and further repressed tumor growth or ablated tumors already predominated by exhausted T cells. Thus, PTPN2-targeting in tumors and/or T cells facilitates T cell recruitment and/or alleviates inhibitory constraints on T cells to combat TNBC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B7-H1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 2 / genetics
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • PTPN2 protein, human
  • Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 2
  • Ptpn2 protein, mouse