IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Myoglobin expression boosts T-cell metabolism and antitumor effector function

Myoglobin expression boosts T-cell metabolism and antitumor effector function

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Julia Werner presented research on using myoglobin to improve CD8 T-cell function in hypoxic solid tumors. Because tumor environments are low in oxygen and suppress T-cell metabolism, she engineered T-cells to overexpress myoglobin, an oxygen-binding protein. These cells showed enhanced mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis, ATP production, and reduced reactive oxygen species, suggesting improved metabolic fitness. In vitro and in mouse tumor models, myoglobin-expressing antigen-specific T-cells infiltrated tumors better, produced more IFN-gamma and granzyme B, and reduced tumor growth. They also worked better when combined with anti-PD-1 checkpoint therapy. Werner concluded that myoglobin boosts T-cell anti-tumor activity by improving metabolism and redox control in hypoxic tumors.

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Date April 16, 2026 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Room 205

Session Immune Checkpoints and Beyond I

Speaker Julia Werner

Track Tumor Immunology: Checkpoints, Prevention, And Treatment (TIPT)

Year 2026

Keywords

myoglobin

CD8 T-cell function

hypoxic tumors

tumor metabolism

anti-PD-1 therapy

April 16, 2026 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM

205

Immune Checkpoints and Beyond I

Julia Werner

Tumor Immunology: Checkpoints, Prevention, And Treatment (TIPT)

2026