PD-1 Mediated Regulation of Unique Activated CD8+ T Cells by NK Cells in the Submandibular Gland

Abstract

The increasing utilization of anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has led to the emergence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including sicca syndrome. Interestingly, we found that the submandibular gland (SMG) of PD-1 deficient mice harbors a large population of CD8+ T cells, reminiscing ICB induced sicca. This phenotype was also observed in the SMG of both NK cell-depleted C57BL/6 animals and NK cell-deficient animals. Mechanistically, using mice conditionally deficient for PD-L1 in the NK cell lineage, we discovered that NK cells regulate CD8+ T cell homeostasis via the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in this organ. Importantly, single-cell RNA sequencing of PD-1 deficient SMG CD8+ T cells reveals a unique transcriptional profile consistent with TCR activation. These cells have limited TCR diversity and phenotypically overlap with GzmK+ CD8+ T autoimmune cells identified in primary Sjogrens syndrome patients. These insights into NK cell immunoregulation in the SMG, and the consequences of disrupted CD8+ T cell homeostasis, provide opportunities for preventing the development of irAEs. HighlightsO_LIElevated CD8+ T cells in the submandibular gland (SMG) of PD-1 deficient mice parallel sicca-like irAEs seen in ICB patients. C_LIO_LIIn addition to their previously described hyporesponsive phenotype, NK cells in the SMG regulate CD8+ T cell homeostasis through the PD-L1/PD-1 axis. C_LIO_LIPD-1 deficient SMG CD8+ T cells display unique transcriptional profiles associated with proinflammatory functions, TCR activation, interferon stimulation, and exhaustion. C_LIO_LIOligoclonal expansion and similarities in TCR sequences indicate T cell activation and a preference for recognizing specific antigens. C_LI