IGSF9-targeted therapy inhibits the progression of acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract: Previously, we reported that targeting immunoglobulin superfamily member 9 (IGSF9) could enhance antitumor T-cell activity and sensitivity to anti–PD-1 immunotherapy, although the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we find that, similar to the regulation of PD-L1 expression...

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Main Authors: Lijun Hui, Jing Xiao, Zhiling Zhao, Juan Zhang, Huiwen Luan, Jiashen Zhang, Yuxiao Sun, Xianhui Meng, Hongying Wang, Chunling Li, Fangmin Li, Shuhao Ji, Shuping Wei, Fang Li, Hong Yu, Chengyun Zheng, Yang Jiang, Yaopeng Wang, Zunling Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-08-01
Series:Blood Advances
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2473952925003386
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Summary:Abstract: Previously, we reported that targeting immunoglobulin superfamily member 9 (IGSF9) could enhance antitumor T-cell activity and sensitivity to anti–PD-1 immunotherapy, although the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we find that, similar to the regulation of PD-L1 expression, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) also induces the expression of IGSF9 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The small interfering RNA specifically targeting JAK1 and a STAT1 inhibitor blocking IFN-γ signal pathway significantly inhibit the expression of IGSF9 and PD-L1. As a tumor-specific immune checkpoint molecule, IGSF9 plays a significant role in promoting tumor escape. The induction of both PD-L1 and IGSF9 by IFN-γ in the tumor microenvironment explains why IGSF9 is highly expressed in tumors and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. This induction also underpins the strong synergistic effects when combining anti-IGSF9 and anti–PD-1 therapies. Additionally, IGSF9 also mediates the extramedullary infiltration of AML cells, which can be inhibited by depletion of IGSF9 or anti-IGSF9. The binding epitopes of anti-IGSF9 are located within the immunoglobulin G2 and fibronectin type-III-2 domains of IGSF9. Based on these findings, we develop an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting IGSF9 (anti–IGSF9-linker-DXd). This ADC exhibits 99.7% purity, and primarily exists in monomeric form, demonstrating excellent homogeneity (drug-to-antibody ratio, 8-10) and specificity. Anti–IGSF9-linker-DXd effectively kills IGSF9-positive tumor cells and exhibits a potent bystander effect. In vivo, anti–IGSF9-linker-DXd almost completely eliminates early- and mid-stage tumors and significantly inhibits the progression of advanced tumors. In summary, our findings underscore the potential of IGSF9 as a novel therapeutic target for AML treatment, highlighting its role in disease progression and the efficacy of targeted therapies.
ISSN:2473-9529