1614-IMPREG: A Regulon Signature of Tumor Immune Privilege

This research introduces IMPREG, a novel transcriptional regulon signature that identifies tumors capable of mimicking the immune-privileged status of organs like the brain or retina. By hijacking these specialized biological programs, cancers create "immune deserts" that exclude T cells, leading to significant resistance against immunotherapy treatments. The study utilizes extensive single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to reveal that this suppression is driven by three distinct cellular routes: immature neuronal states, myofibroblast identities, or endothelial cells. Across dozens of clinical datasets and diverse cancer types, IMPREG consistently predicts poor response to immune checkpoint blockade more effectively than established biomarkers. Interestingly, while these tumors resist immunotherapy, they often show increased sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors or antiangiogenic drugs. Ultimately, the authors present this signature as a powerful, orthogonal tool for personalizing cancer treatment and reducing the financial and physical toll of ineffective therapies. References: • Lawal B, Gupta A, Sharma R, et al. Tumors hijack immune-privileging regulons via distinct cell types to confer T cell desertion and immunotherapy resistance across various cancers[J]. Nature Communications, 2026. 前往小宇宙评论区与主播互动 (https://www.xiaoyuzhoufm.com/episode/...)