ILC2-derived IL-9 drives eosinophil-mediated antitumor immunity
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A study published in Science Immunology on October 28, 2026 identifies a pathway in which group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) produce interleukin-9 to mobilize eosinophils against tumors. GITR engagement on tumor-infiltrating ILC2s induces the transcription factor ATF3 and robust IL-9 production, which promotes intratumoral eosinophil accumulation, survival, tissue retention, and cytotoxicity. Eosinophil ablation abolishes GITR-mediated tumor control, and adoptive transfer of eosinophils restores it. The pathway suppresses tumor growth even without adaptive lymphocytes. In human data, IL-9 and eosinophil signatures correlate with favorable prognosis in melanoma and lung adenocarcinoma. Open questions include how the mechanism might translate into therapies for cancer patients.
Written by a model from the reports · updated 8 hours ago
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- Sci ImmunolPickILC2-derived IL-9 promotes eosinophil-mediated antitumor activity.
A study shows that ILC2-derived IL-9 promotes intratumoral eosinophil accumulation and their survival, tissue retention, and cytotoxicity, thereby mediating antitumor activity. GITR engagement on tumor-infiltrating ILC2s induces ATF3 and robust IL-9 production, exceeding the modest coinduction of IL-5 and IL-13; eosinophil ablation abolishes GITR-mediated tumor control, and adoptive transfer restores it. The pathway suppresses tumor growth even without adaptive lymphocytes, and in human data IL-9 and eosinophil signatures correlate with favorable prognosis in melanoma and lung adenocarcinoma.
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