In vivo genome-wide CRISPR screens identify SOCS1 as a major intrinsic checkpoint of CD4+ Th1 cell response

Abstract

The expansion of antigen experienced CD4+ T cells is limited by intrinsic factors. Using in vivo genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screens, we identified SOCS1 as a non-redundant checkpoint imposing a brake on CD4+ T-cell proliferation upon rechallenge. We show here that SOCS1 is a critical node integrating both IL-2 and IFN-{gamma} signals and blocking multiple signaling pathways to abrogate CD4+ Th1 cell response. In CD8+ T-cell, SOCS1 does not impact the proliferation but rather reduces survival and effector functions. By targeting SOCS1, both murine and human CD4+ T-cell antitumor adoptive therapies exhibit a restored intra-tumor accumulation, proliferation/survival, persistence and polyfunctionality, promoting long term rejection of established tumors. These findings identify SOCS1 as a major intracellular checkpoint inhibitor of primed CD4+ T cells, opening new possibilities to optimize CAR-T cell therapies composition and efficacy.