Tumor-secreted RGS17 impairs CD8 + T cell function in lung adenocarcinoma through affecting glucose metabolism mediated by PI3K/AKT pathway.

BACKGROUND

The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and its impact on the prognoses and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) represent a major focus of research in this field. The present study primarily elucidates the role of RGS17 in TIME of LUAD.

METHODS

A comprehensive array of analytical methods was employed to assess the gene expression levels, including RT-qPCR, Western blots assay and Immunohistochemistry. The assessment of cell apoptosis and viability was conducted through the utilization of Flow cytometry, Colony formation, or CCK-8 assays. To comprehensively evaluate glycolysis, the glucose consumption, lactate production and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) were detected.

RESULTS

RGS17 was highly expressed in LUAD patients, which predicted adverse prognosis of LUAD patients. Functionally, RGS17 promoted LUAD tumor growth by hindering the anti-tumor immune response. Specifically, knockdown of RGS17 in tumor cells was observed to result in increased CD8 + T cell infiltration into the tumors, thereby impeding LUAD tumor growth. Furthermore, tumor-secreted RGS17 impeded CD8 + T cell function by reducing IFN-γ and Granzyme B secretion, thus impeding the anti-tumor immune response. Mechanically, RGS17 impeded glycolysis in CD8 + T cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

CONCLUSION

Tumor-secreted RGS17 impairs CD8 + T cell cytotoxicity in LUAD through impeding glycolysis mediated by PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby promoting tumor growth.