Selective expansion of TCF7-expressing tumor-reactive T cells from ovarian cancer

A research team has identified the basis for tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy for ovarian cancer. Published in SCIENCE CHINA Life Sciences , the study reveals that TCF7 -expressing T cells with autologous tumor reactivity are effectively expanded ex vivo .

Despite FDA approval for melanoma, TIL therapy against ovarian cancer is still under investigation. Using paired scRNA/TCR-seq analysis of patient-derived TILs, the researchers discovered that three tumor-reactive TCF7 ⁺ T cell subpopulations exhibit selective expansion during TIL production, including CD8 ⁺ TCF7 ⁺ Tpex, TCF7 ⁺ GZMK ⁺ early Tem and CD4 ⁺ TCF7 ⁺ Tfh cells. Crucially, CD8 ⁺ TCF7 ⁺ Tpex cells demonstrate self-renewal capacity and generate stem-like progenies. Furthermore, the team found that CCR7 and CD200 co-expression identifies tumor-reactive T cells with optimal therapeutic potentials. Targeting tumor-infiltrating CCR7 ⁺ CD200 ⁺ T cells enriches stem-like, tumor-reactive T cells, which may promote the persistence and tumor specificity in current TIL therapy.

These findings suggest actionable strategies for next-generation TIL therapies.

Science China Life Sciences

10.1007/s11427-025-2958-3

Experimental study