STARTRAC analyses of scRNAseq data from tumor models reveal T cell dynamics and therapeutic targets

D Bhatt, B Kang, D Sawant, L Zheng, K Perez… - Journal of Experimental …, 2021 - rupress.org
D Bhatt, B Kang, D Sawant, L Zheng, K Perez, Z Huang, L Sekirov, D Wolak, JY Huang
Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2021rupress.org
Single-cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool to examine cellular heterogeneity, novel
markers and target genes, and therapeutic mechanisms in human cancers and animal
models. Here, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data of T cells obtained from
multiple mouse tumor models by PCA-based subclustering coupled with TCR tracking using
the STARTRAC algorithm. This approach revealed various differentiated T cell subsets and
activation states, and a correspondence of T cell subsets between human and mouse …
Single-cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool to examine cellular heterogeneity, novel markers and target genes, and therapeutic mechanisms in human cancers and animal models. Here, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data of T cells obtained from multiple mouse tumor models by PCA-based subclustering coupled with TCR tracking using the STARTRAC algorithm. This approach revealed various differentiated T cell subsets and activation states, and a correspondence of T cell subsets between human and mouse tumors. STARTRAC analyses demonstrated peripheral T cell subsets that were developmentally connected with tumor-infiltrating CD8+ cells, CD4+ Th1 cells, and T reg cells. In addition, large amounts of paired TCRα/β sequences enabled us to identify a specific enrichment of paired public TCR clones in tumor. Finally, we identified CCR8 as a tumor-associated T reg cell marker that could preferentially deplete tumor-associated T reg cells. We showed that CCR8-depleting antibody treatment provided therapeutic benefit in CT26 tumors and synergized with anti–PD-1 treatment in MC38 and B16F10 tumor models.
rupress.org