Oncometabolite <scp>d</scp> -2HG alters T cell metabolism to impair CD8 <sup>+</sup> T cell function
Giulia Notarangelo, Jessica B. Spinelli, Elizabeth M. Perez, Gregory J. Baker, Kiran Kurmi, Ilaria Elia, Sylwia A. Stopka, Gerard Baquer, Jia‐Ren Lin, Alexandra J. Golby, Shakchhi Joshi, Heide F. Baron, Jefte M. Drijvers, Peter Georgiev, Alison E. Ringel, Elma Zaganjor, Samuel K. McBrayer, Peter K. Sorger, Arlene H. Sharpe, Kai W. Wucherpfennig, Sandro Santagata, Nathalie Y.R. Agar, Mario L. Suvà, Marcia C. Haigis
Abstract
Gain-of-function mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) in human cancers result in the production of d -2-hydroxyglutarate ( d -2HG), an oncometabolite that promotes tumorigenesis through epigenetic alterations. The cancer cell–intrinsic effects of d -2HG are well understood, but its tumor cell–nonautonomous roles remain poorly explored. We compared the oncometabolite d -2HG with its enantiomer, l -2HG, and found that tumor-derived d -2HG was taken up by CD8 + T cells and altered their metabolism and antitumor functions in an acute and reversible fashion. We identified the glycolytic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a molecular target of d -2HG. d -2HG and inhibition of LDH drive a metabolic program and immune CD8 + T cell signature marked by decreased cytotoxicity and impaired interferon-γ signaling that was recapitulated in clinical samples from human patients with IDH1 mutant gliomas.