Identification and characterization of a dominated T cell population in tumor associated antigen specific CD8 +T cells of tumor microenvironment

Abstract The characteristics and roles of tumor associated antigens (TAAs) specific infiltrative T cells (TILs) are not well understood. Alpha-enolase is one TAA oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) pancreatic cancer, highly expressed in many cancer types by analyzing the TCGA database. We detected α-enolase responsive CD8 +T peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMCs) TILs OSCC patients. significantly increased than those PBMCs. developed two tetramers to identify different peptides cells. Two tetramer positive +TILs, total from PBMC three patients were sorted. Single RNA sequencing was performed. Unbiased clustering revealed 11 distinct clusters. To our surprise, population patterns both +TILs similar, but much or +TILs. percentages relatively exhausted similar TIL groups, nearly absent blood. had highest percentage effector memory naïve A cluster dominated (>50% population) expression important immune related genes all low. That hinted this subset more quiescent other clusters, may have potentials be activated. Further clarify special immunology warranted. Supported grants National Science Technology Council, Taiwan (110-2314-B-002-299)