IRF1 inhibits antitumor immunity through the upregulation of PD-L1 in the tumor cell

Multiple studies have associated the transcription factor IRF1 with tumor-suppressive activities. Here, we report an opposite tumor cell–intrinsic function of IRF1 in promoting tumor growth. IRF1-deficient tumor cells showed reduced tumor growth in MC38 and CT26 colon carcinoma and B16 melanoma mouse models. This reduction in tumor growth was dependent on host CD8+ T cells. Detailed profiling of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes did not show changes in the various T-cell and myeloid cell populations. However, CD8+ T cells that had infiltrated IRF1-deficieint tumors in vivo exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity. IRF1-deficient tumor cells lost the ability to upregulate PD-L1 expression in vitro and in vivo and were more susceptible to T-cell–mediated killing. Induced expression of PD-L1 in IRF1-deficient tumor cells restored tumor growth. These results indicate differential activity of IRF1 in tumor escape.