Characterizing tumor microenvironment heterogeneity in EBV+ nTNKL vs ENKTL using spatial transcriptomics and MIF - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #EBV+ nTNKL
- #tumor microenvironment
- #spatial transcriptomics
- EBV+ nTNKL is a rare and distinct type of lymphoma recently classified in WHO-HAEM5.
- Spatial transcriptomics and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to compare EBV+ nTNKL and ENKTL.
- ENKTL, of NK-cell origin, showed high malignant cell density and an immune-desert phenotype.
- EBV+ nTNKL, of T-cell origin, had lower tumor burden and an immune-active microenvironment with cytotoxic T cells and PD-1/PD-L1 expression.
- Distinct signaling programs were identified: TGF-β/BMP-driven interactions in ENKTL vs. CXCL/CCL-GPCR-mediated crosstalk in EBV+ nTNKL.
- A retrospective study of 14 EBV+ nTNKL patients revealed frequent complications like hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and inferior survival, though some responded well to immune checkpoint inhibitors or CAR-T therapy.
- The study highlights the role of EBV latency programs and tissue context in shaping tumor ecology, suggesting tailored therapeutic strategies.