IMMUNOLOGY2025™ Conference Recordings-Androgen receptor mediated suppression of CD4+ T cell anti-tumor immunity

Androgen receptor mediated suppression of CD4+ T cell anti-tumor immunity - Zachary Hay

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The talk examines how androgen receptor (AR) signaling in CD4 T cells affects anti-tumor immunity, especially in prostate cancer. Because males have higher cancer rates, the speaker investigates whether androgens suppress immune responses. In mouse prostate cancer models, androgen deprivation improved checkpoint blockade therapy and CD8 T-cell function. Focusing on CD4 cells, AR knockout did not change survival alone but improved response to anti-PD-1. Mixed chimera experiments showed fewer AR-deficient Tregs in tumors. AR was not needed for Treg induction, but seemed to promote Treg stability and NRP1 expression, possibly limiting immunotherapy effectiveness.

Keywords

androgen receptor

CD4 T cells

prostate cancer

checkpoint blockade

regulatory T cells