Scientific article
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English

Mast-cell derived nerve growth factor drives ILC2 pro-tumoral functions in bladder cancer

Published inNature communications, vol. 17, no. 1, 3061
Publication date2026-02-21
First online date2026-02-21
Abstract

Innate lymphoid cells type 2 (ILC2s) are key regulators of tissue homeostasis and inflammation. In cancer, ILC2s can exhibit pro-tumoral functions by increasing the myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC)/T-cell ratio. Nevertheless, the upstream ILC2 triggers remain poorly defined. Here, we identify nerve growth factor (NGF) as the driver of ILC2 pro-tumoral functions in patients with bladder cancer. We show that ILC2s express the NGF receptor TrkA and respond to NGF by secreting type-2 cytokines. In the tumor microenvironment, NGF-producing mast cells accumulate and activate ILC2s to induce regulatory T cells (Tregs), ultimately fostering tumor growth. In patients, NGF levels inversely correlate with survival in ILC2-rich tumors, underscoring the clinical significance of this axis. In vivo administration of a selective TrkA inhibitor improves survival in orthotopic tumor-bearing female mice and sensitizes them to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Overall, we identify NGF as an ILC2 activator that shapes pro-tumoral ILC2 functions. The blockade of TrkA+ ILC2s might represent a targetable strategy to improve survival, particularly in ICB-resistant patients.

Keywords
  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mast Cells / immunology
  • Mast Cells / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Nerve Growth Factor / immunology
  • Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Receptor, trkA / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, trkA / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / immunology
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / pathology
Funding
Citation (ISO format)
FALQUET, Maryline et al. Mast-cell derived nerve growth factor drives ILC2 pro-tumoral functions in bladder cancer. In: Nature communications, 2026, vol. 17, n° 1, p. 3061. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-69841-y
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Article (Published version)
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Identifiers
Additional URL for this publicationhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-69841-y
Journal ISSN2041-1723
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