Neutrophils driving unconventional T cells mediate resistance against murine sarcomas and selected human tumors

Abstract

Neutrophils are a component of the tumor microenvironment and have been predominantly associated with cancer progression. Using a genetic approach complemented by adoptive transfer, we found that neutrophils are essential for resistance against primary 3-methylcholantrene-induced carcinogenesis. Neutrophils were essential for the activation of an interferon-gamma-dependent pathway of immune resistance, associated with polarization of a subset of CD4(-) CD8(-) unconventional alphabeta T cells (UTCalphabeta). Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses unveiled the innate-like features and diversity of UTCalphabeta associated with neutrophil-dependent anti-sarcoma immunity. In selected human tumors, including undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, CSF3R expression, a neutrophil signature and neutrophil infiltration were associated with a type 1 immune response and better clinical outcome. Thus, neutrophils driving UTCalphabeta polarization and type 1 immunity are essential for resistance against murine sarcomas and selected human tumors.