尿石素 A 劫持 ERK1/2-ULK1 级联以改善 CD8⁺ T 细胞适应性增强抗肿瘤免疫

According to the latest evidence, the microbial metabolite Urolithin A (UA), known for its role in promoting cellular health, modulates CD8 + T cell-mediated antitumor activity.

However, the direct target protein of UA and its underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Here, this research identifies ERK1/2 as the specific target crucial for UA-mediated CD8 + T cell activation. Even at low doses, UA markedly enhances the persistence and effector functions of primary CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and human chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells both in vitro and in vivo.

Mechanistically, UA interacts directly with ERK1/2 kinases, enhancing their activation and subsequently facilitating T cell activation by engaging ULK1. The UA-ERK1/2-ULK1 axis promotes autophagic flux in CD8 + CTLs, enhancing cellular metabolism and maintaining reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, as evidenced by increased oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates. UA-treated CD8 + CTLs also display elevated ATP levels and enhanced spare respiratory capacity.

Overall, UA activates ERK1/2, inducing autophagy and metabolic adaptation, showcasing its potential in tumor immunotherapy and interventions for diseases involving ERKs.