探究ICI诱导性结肠炎中调节性T细胞功能障碍的潜在机制

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-gamma-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.