CD25high Effector Regulatory T Cells Hamper Responses to PD-1 Blockade in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Regulatory T cells (Treg) impede effective antitumor immunity. However, the role of Tregs in the clinical outcomes of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains controversial. Here, we found that an immunosuppressive TNBC microenvironment is marked by an imbalance between effector alpha beta CD8+ T cells and Tregs harboring hallmarks of highly suppressive effector Tregs (eTreg). Intratumoral eTregs strongly expressed PD-1 and persisted in patients with TNBC resistant to PD-1 blockade. Importantly, CD25 was the most selective surface marker of eTregs in primary TNBC and metastases compared with other candidate targets for eTreg depletion currently being evaluated in trials for patients with advanced TNBC. In a syngeneic TNBC model, the use of Fc-optimized, IL2 sparing, anti-CD25 antibodies synergized with PD-1 blockade to promote systemic antitumor immunity and durable tumor growth control by increasing effector alpha beta CD8(+) T-cell/Treg ratios in tumors and in the periphery. Together, this study provides the rationale for the clinical translation of anti-CD25 therapy to improve PD-1 blockade responses in patients with TNBC.

Automated summary

The role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains controversial. This study investigates the tumor microenvironment in TNBC and finds an imbalance between suppressive Tregs and effector T cells. The selective surface marker CD25 may be a promising target for Treg depletion therapy. Furthermore, the combination of anti-CD25 antibodies and PD-1 blockade shows potential for improving antitumor immunity in TNBC.