Accumulation of tissue-resident natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells, and CD8+ T cells towards the center of human lung tumors

Abstract

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Despite recent advances in tissue immunology, little is known about the spatial distribution of tissue-resident lymphocyte subsets in lung tumors. Using high-parameter flow cytometry, we identified an accumulation of tissue-resident lymphocytes including tissue-resident NK (trNK) cells and CD8⁺ tissue-resident memory T (T_RM) cells toward the center of human non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). Chemokine receptor expression patterns indicated different modes of tumor-infiltration and/or residency between trNK cells and CD8⁺ T_RM cells. In contrast to CD8⁺ T_RM cells, trNK cells and ILCs generally expressed low levels of immune checkpoint receptors independent of location in the tumor. Additionally, granzyme expression in trNK cells and CD8⁺ T_RM cells was highest in the tumor center, and intratumoral CD49a⁺CD16^- NK cells were functional and responded stronger to target cell stimulation than their CD49a^- counterparts, indicating functional relevance of trNK cells in lung tumors. In summary, the present spatial mapping of lymphocyte subsets in human NSCLC provides novel insights into the composition and functionality of tissue-resident immune cells, suggesting a role for trNK cells and CD8⁺ T_RM cells in lung tumors and their potential relevance for future therapeutic approaches.

Keywords: CD8+ T cells; ILC; NK cells; lung cancer; tissue-resident; tumor-infiltrating.