Soluble CD155 immune complexes reprogram DNAM-1 signaling to potentiate antitumor immunity

Abstract

Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains a major challenge in oncology, yet the mechanisms that selectively disable activating pathways are poorly defined. Here, we identify tumor-derived soluble CD155 (sCD155) as a systemic checkpoint that rewires DNAM-1 signaling to drive immunotherapy resistance. High plasma sCD155 levels correlate with impaired anti-PD-1 responses in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Mechanistically, sCD155 selectively suppresses DNAM-1-dependent activation of CD8+ T and NK cells, uncoupling ICIs from cytotoxic function. Intriguingly, a selective anti-sCD155 monoclonal antibody does not neutralize the ligand, but rather converts it into an activating scaffold. This complex induces Fc{gamma}R-anchored DNAM-1 microcluster formation and robust downstream signaling, effectively switching the checkpoint into a co-stimulatory signal. This reprogramming restores CTL function, suppresses metastasis, and augments PD-1/TIGIT blockade to achieve durable immunity. Our findings establish antibody-mediated receptor architecture rewiring as a therapeutic principle to overcome cancer immune resistance.