Developing synthetic tools to decipher the tumor–immune interactome

Abstract

The ability of immune cells to directly interact with transformed cells is an essential component of immune surveillance and critical for optimal tissue function. The tumor–immune interactome (the collective cellular interactions between oncogenic cells and immune cells) is distinct and varied based on the tissue location and immunogenicity of tumor subtypes. However, comprehensive landscape and the consequences of tumor-interacting immune cells in the tumor microenvironment are not well understood. Current tools are limited in their ability to identify and record interactors in vivo or be utilized for downstream analysis. Here, we describe the development and validation of a technology leveraging synthetic Notch receptors reporting physical tumor cell–immune cell contact in vivo in order to decipher the tumor–immune interactome. We call this approach, Tumor–Immune Interactome Non-biased Discovery Retroviral Reporter or TIINDRR. Using TIINDRR, we identify the tumor–immune interactomes that define immunological refractory and sensitive tumors and how different immunotherapies alter these interactions. Thus, TIINDRR provides a flexible and versatile tool for studying in-vivo tumor–immune cell interactions, aiding in the identification of biologically relevant information needed for the rational design of immune-based therapies.