PURPOSE

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are strongly associated with survival in most cancers; however, the tumor-reactive subset that drives this prognostic effect remains poorly defined. CD39, CD103, and PD-1 have been independently proposed as markers of tumor-reactive CD8 TIL in various cancers. We evaluated the phenotype, clonality, and prognostic significance of TIL expressing various combinations of these markers in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC), a malignancy in need of more effective immunotherapeutic approaches.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Expression of CD39, CD103, PD-1, and other immune markers was assessed by high-dimensional flow cytometry, single-cell sequencing, and multiplex immunofluorescence of primary and matched pre/post-chemotherapy HGSC specimens.

RESULTS

Coexpression of CD39, CD103, and PD-1 ("triple-positive" phenotype) demarcated subsets of CD8 TIL and CD4 regulatory T cells (Treg) with a highly activated/exhausted phenotype. Triple-positive CD8 TIL exhibited reduced T-cell receptor (TCR) diversity and expressed genes involved in both cytolytic and humoral immunity. Triple-positive Tregs exhibited higher TCR diversity and a tumor-resident phenotype. Triple-positive TIL showed superior prognostic impact relative to TIL expressing other combinations of these markers. TIGIT was uniquely upregulated on triple-positive CD8 effector cells relative to their CD4 Treg counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Coexpression of CD39, CD103, and PD-1 demarcates highly activated CD8 and CD4 TIL with inferred roles in cytolytic, humoral, and regulatory immune functions. Triple-positive TIL demonstrate exceptional prognostic significance and express compelling targets for combination immunotherapy, including PD-1, CD39, and TIGIT.