SERPINB9 is commonly amplified and high expression in cancer cells correlates with poor immune checkpoint blockade response

Immunotherapies, in particular immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), have improved the clinical outcome of cancer patients, although many fail to mount a durable response. Several resistance mechanisms have been identified, but our understanding of the requirements for a robust ICB response is incomplete. We have engineered an MHC I/antigen: TCR-matched panel of human NSCLC cancer and T cells to identify tumor cell-intrinsic T cell resistance mechanisms. The top differentially expressed gene in resistant tumor cells was SERPINB9. This serine protease inhibitor of the effector T cell-derived molecule granzyme B prevents caspase-mediated tumor apoptosis. Concordantly, we show that genetic ablation of SERPINB9 reverts T cell resistance of NSCLC cell lines, whereas its overexpression reduces T cell sensitivity. SERPINB9 expression in NSCLC strongly correlates with a mesenchymal phenotype. We also find that SERPINB9 is commonly amplified in cancer, particularly melanoma in which it is indicative of poor prognosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing of ICB-treated melanomas revealed that SERPINB9 expression is elevated not only in cells from post- versus pre-treatment cancers, but also in ICB-refractory cancers. In NSCLC we commonly observed rare SERPINB9-positive cancer cells, possibly accounting for reservoirs of ICB-resistant cells. While underscoring SERPINB9 as a potential target to combat immunotherapy resistance, these results suggest its potential to serve as a prognostic and predictive biomarker.

Automated summary

Immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint blockade, have improved cancer patient outcomes, but many fail to develop a durable response. Researchers have identified SERPINB9 as a potential resistance mechanism that prevents tumor cell apoptosis. Overexpression of SERPINB9 is associated with resistance in NSCLC and poor prognosis in melanoma, while rare SERPINB9-positive cancer cells may contribute to reservoirs of resistant cells.