What question did this study set out to answer?

The central aim is to understand the mechanisms leading to regulatory T cell dysfunction in patients with ICI-induced colitis.

April 5, 2026

Abstract 7757: Investigating the mechanisms underlying regulatory T cell dysfunction in ICI-induced colitis

Key Points

The central aim is to understand the mechanisms leading to regulatory T cell dysfunction in patients with ICI-induced colitis.
Analyzed colon biopsies from patients with ICI-induced colitis
Utilized single-cell RNA sequencing and paired spatial transcriptomics
Identified and characterized T cell populations, particularly within the CD8+ T cell compartment
Mapped spatial distribution of activated T cells and regulatory T cells
Proliferative cytotoxic T cells accumulate in the colon due to Treg dysfunction
Tregs show upregulation of Th1 and IFN-response genes, differing from other inflammatory conditions
Activated CD8+ tissue-resident memory cells drive colonic inflammation
Pathogenic circuit formed by Treg destabilization and Th1-skewed inflammation is identified

Abstract

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy but can trigger immune-related adverse events such as colitis. The mechanisms driving these toxicities remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed colon biopsies from a patient cohort with ICI-induced colitis using integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and paired spatial transcriptomics and proteomics to define disease mechanisms and model human autoimmunity.Transcriptomic mapping revealed accumulation of proliferative cytotoxic T cells in the colon, suggesting failure of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to restrain effector responses. Tregs displayed upregulation of Th1- and IFN-response genes, including IL12RB2, IFI6, and CXCL9, distinguishing ICI colitis from patterns observed in Th17-driven inflammatory bowel disease.Within the CD8+ T cell compartment, combined single-cell and TCR analyses identified tissue-resident memory (Trm) cells as key targets of ICIs driving colonic inflammation. Activated CD8+ Trm cells displayed a cytotoxic, IFN-γ-rich profile enriched for granzymes, chemokines, and effector transcriptional modules characteristic of human ICI colitis. Spatial mapping will confirm the co-localization of Trm cell activation, Treg dysfunction, and IFN-driven microenvironments within epithelial and mucosal niches.Together, these results define a pathogenic circuit in which Trm activation, Treg destabilization, and Th1-skewed inflammation converge to drive ICI-induced colitis. This work provides a mechanistic framework for understanding ICI-associated autoimmunity and may guide development of targeted therapeutic strategies that preserve antitumor immunity while limiting tissue toxicity. Citation Format: Emily Schahrer, Paul Ngai, Mehdi Benjelloun Zahar, Christopher R. Weber, David Zemmour. Investigating the mechanisms underlying regulatory T cell dysfunction in ICI-induced colitis abstract. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 7757.

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