NFKB2 mediates colorectal cancer cell immune escape and metastasis in a STAT2/PD-L1-dependent manner
This study systematically analyzed the molecular mechanism and function of nuclear factor kappa B subunit 2 (NFKB2) in colorectal cancer (CRC) to investigate the potential of NFKB2 as a therapeutic target for CRCTo investigate the potential of NFKB2 as a therapeutic target for colorectal cancer (CRC), we conducted a systematic analysis of the molecular mechanism and function of NFKB2 in CRC. VariousA range of experimental techniques, including RNA sequencing, proteome chip assays, and small molecule analysis, were used to obtaingain a deeper understanding of the regulation of NFKB2 in CRC. TheOur results revealed that NFKB2 was upregulated in a significant proportion of patients with advanced hepatic metastasismetastases of CRC. NFKB2 played an importanta role in promoting tumor growth through CD8+ T cell exhaustion. MoreoverAdditionally, NFKB2 directly interacted with signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2)STAT2, leading to increased phosphorylation of STAT2 and the upregulation of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)PD-L1 expression. Applying aThe application of a small molecule inhibitor of NFKB2 (Rg5) led to a reduction in PD-L1 expression and improved response to programmed death-1 (PD-1)PD-1 blockade-based immunotherapy. In conclusion,These findings suggest that the facilitated NFKB2-STAT2/PD-L1 axis may suppresses immune surveillance in CRC and targeting NFKB2 maycould enhance the efficacy of immunotherapeutic strategies. Our resultsThis study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the contribution of NFKB2 in CRC immune escape. However, our findings requireand further validation of these findings in a clinical trial is needed to establish NFKB2 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for CRC patients. Overall design: Transcriptomic profiles of MC38 tumors in C57 mouse model with (3 samples) or without (3 smaples) NFKB2 overexpression