Abstract
Abstract Checkpoint blockade can reverse CD8+ T-cell functional exhaustion, and TCF-1 is essential for this process. However, identifying mechanisms that can prevent functional senescence and potentiate CD8+ T-cell persistence in checkpoint blockade non-responsive tumors remains a challenge. We demonstrate that targeting Cbx3/HP1γ causes augmented transcription initiation, chromatin remodeling at Lef1 and Il21r leading to increased transcriptional activity at these loci. Mechanistic studies show LEF-1 and IL-21R are required for Cbx3/HP1γ-deficient CD8+ effector T cells to persist resulting in improved control of ovarian cancer, melanoma and neuroblastoma in pre-clinical models. Cbx3/HP1γ-deficient CD8+ T cells enhanced persistence in the TME facilitates remodeling of the chemokine/receptor landscape that ensures their optimal tumor invasion at the expense of CD4+ Tregs. Thus, CD8+ T cells heightened effector function consequent to Cbx3/HP1γ deficiency may be distinct from functional reactivation by checkpoint blockade, implicating Cbx3/HP1γ as a viable cancer T-cell-based therapy target for resistant, non-responsive solid tumors.