Overview

• A Nature paper released June 4 analyzed gene-expression data from diverse cancers and found that simultaneous loss of the Y chromosome in malignant and immune cells correlates with poorer survival in men
• Helper (CD4+) and cytotoxic (CD8+) T cells lacking the Y chromosome exhibit immunosuppressive signatures and diminished cytotoxic function against tumor cells
• Researchers detected a strong association between Y chromosome loss in tumors and adjacent immune cells, indicating a coordinated mechanism of chromosomal depletion
• Men whose tumors and infiltrating T cells both lose the Y chromosome face more aggressive disease progression and reduced overall survival
• The study team recommends screening patient-derived T cells for this chromosomal defect before CAR T cell or other adoptive immunotherapies to optimize treatment outcomes