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MTSS1 curtails lung adenocarcinoma immune evasion by promoting AIP4-mediated PD-L1 monoubiquitination and lysosomal degradation

MTSS1 curtails lung adenocarcinoma immune evasion by promoting AIP4-mediated PD-L1 monoubiquitination and lysosomal degradation
Author Wang, Y; Jia, ZC; Liang, CX; He, YF; Cong, M; Wu, QY; Tian, P; He, DS; Miao, X; Sun, BB; Yin, Y; Peng, C; Yao, F; Fu, D; Liang, YJ; Zhang, PY; Xiong, H; Hu, GH
Journal CELL DISCOVERY
Pub Year 2023
Type Article
Abstract Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 has shown durable clinical benefits in lung cancer. However, many patients respond poorly to ICB treatment, underscoring an incomplete understanding of PD-L1 regulation and therapy resistance. Here, we find that MTSS1 is downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma, leading to PD-L1 upregulation, impairment of CD8(+) lymphocyte function, and enhanced tumor progression. MTSS1 downregulation correlates with improved ICB efficacy in patients. Mechanistically, MTSS1 interacts with the E3 ligase AIP4 for PD-L1 monoubiquitination at Lysine 263, leading to PD-L1 endocytic sorting and lysosomal degradation. In addition, EGFR-KRAS signaling in lung adenocarcinoma suppresses MTSS1 and upregulates PD-L1. More importantly, combining AIP4-targeting via the clinical antidepressant drug clomipramine and ICB treatment improves therapy response and effectively suppresses the growth of ICB-resistant tumors in immunocompetent mice and humanized mice. Overall, our study discovers an MTSS1-AIP4 axis for PD-L1 monoubiquitination and reveals a potential combinatory therapy with antidepressants and ICB.
Issue 9
Volume 9
SCI 33.5