Publications
bioRxivMay 2025 DOI:
10.1101/2025.05.12.652297

Prognostically favorable immune responses to ovarian cancer are distinguished by self-reactive intra-epithelial plasma cells

Banville, Allyson C.; Laumont, Céline M.; Singh, Karanvir; Gladwin, Breeze; Dedora, Jaden; Mitchell, Lewis; Wang, Jen C.; Miranda, Alex; Mateyko, Bridget; Chavez, Elizabeth A.; Negri, Gian Luca; Cheng, Shuangshuang; Smazynski, Julian; Milne, Katy; Wright, Kemi; Lampard, M. E.; Gierc, Nicole S.; Hamilton, Phineas T.; Miko, Sandra E. Spencer; Kalaria, Shreena; Oostenbroek, Talen; Puskas, Victor Negrea; Steidl, Christian; Morin, Gregg B.; Nathoo, Farouk S.; Nelson, Brad H.
Product Used
Genes
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating B cells (TIL-Bs) are strongly associated with patient survival; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Using integrated single-cell and spatial biology approaches, we defined at clonal resolution the molecular phenotypes, tumor reactivity patterns, and microenvironmental locations of TIL-Bs in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Prognostic benefit was associated with a TIL-B-rich tumor microenvironment with marked infiltration of malignant epithelium by plasma cells (PCs). PCs spanned five molecular phenotypes; exhibited high rates of somatic hypermutation and clonal expansion; and expressed predominantly IgG1 antibodies recognizing broadly expressed nuclear, cytoplasmic, and cell surface self-antigens. Many PC-derived antibodies were polyreactive. Self- and poly-reactive TIL-Bs penetrated tumor epithelium and stroma and expressed interferon-stimulated genes, indicating strong in situ activation. The self- and poly-reactive nature of TIL-B responses, reminiscent of autoimmune disease, may provide a means for the immune system to combat tumor heterogeneity and could potentially be harnessed for more effective immunotherapy.
Product Used
Genes

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