Overview
- Live 3D imaging in transparent zebrafish revealed CD8+ T cells retained in discrete pockets on melanoma borders, named CRATERs.
- Immunotherapy in the fish model expanded CRATER-covered surface area, increased local T cell localization, and coincided with more apoptosis within these zones.
- High-resolution spatial transcriptomics showed elevated antigen-recognition molecules within CRATERs.
- CRATER-like structures were observed in human melanoma and non–small cell lung cancer samples.
- Patient samples with higher CRATER density were more likely to respond to checkpoint inhibitors, and the research team is planning a prospective trial to test clinical utility.