Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals TOX as a promoting factor for T cell exhaustion and a predictor for anti-PD-1 responses in human cancer.
Kyungsoo KimSeyeon ParkSeong Yong ParkGamin KimSu Myeong ParkJae-Won ChoDa Hee KimYoung Min ParkYoon Woo KohHye Ryun KimSang-Jun HaHoyoung LeePublished in: Genome medicine (2020)
We predicted the regulatory factors involved in T cell exhaustion using single-cell transcriptome profiles of human TI lymphocytes. TOX promoted intra-tumoral CD8+ T cell exhaustion via upregulation of IC molecules. This suggested that TOX inhibition can potentially impede T cell exhaustion and improve ICI efficacy. Additionally, TOX expression in the TI T cells can be used for patient stratification during anti-tumor treatments, including anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.