Tumor-Associated NK Cells Regulate Distinct CD8⁺ T-cell Differentiation Program in Cancer and Contribute to Resistance against Immune Checkpoint Blockers Available to Purchase

Immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis represent established therapies for many cancers. However, resistance occurs in most patients due to complex immune-suppressive mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment. NK cells can play effector roles in tumor control, but their impact on T-cell dysfunction and ICB efficacy remains controversial. Through genetic and antibody-mediated NK cell depletion, we found that a subset of tumor-associated NK cells plays a negative role in ICB sensitivity; they further impede CD8⁺ T-cell differentiation toward a CD69⁺ BCL2⁺ EOMES⁺ GZMB⁺ TIM3⁻ GITR⁻ phenotype. Mechanistically, the retinoic acid receptor α–dependent differentiation program in CD8⁺ T cells is hindered by tumor-infiltrating NK cells via competition for IFNα and IL-2. Finally, we observed that lower frequencies of NK cells correlate with better clinical responses to ICBs in patients with cancer. These findings suggest potential avenues for enhancing CD8⁺ T cell–centered immunotherapy by targeting regulatory NK cells.

Although NK cells are traditionally viewed as antitumor effectors, our study uncovers their unexpected suppressive role in CD8⁺ T cell–based immunotherapy. By competing for cytokines, they disrupt retinoic acid receptor α–driven CD8⁺ T-cell differentiation and limit ICB efficacy. Clinically, reduced NK cell presence is associated with an enhanced immunotherapy response.

See related article by Pozniak et al. p. XX