Expansion of T memory stem cells with superior anti-tumor immunity by Urolithin A-induced mitophagy

T memory stem cells (T SCM ) display increased self-renewal and prolonged survival capabilities, thus preventing T cell exhaustion and promoting effective anti-tumor T cell responses. T SCM cells can be expanded by Urolithin A (UA), which is produced by the commensal gut microbiome from foods rich in ellagitannins and is known to improve mitochondrial health. Oral UA administration to tumor-bearing mice conferred strong anti-tumor CD8 + T cell immunity, whereas ex vivo UA pre-treated T cells displayed improved anti-tumor function upon adoptive cell transfer. UA-induced T SCM formation depended on Pink1-mediated mitophagy triggering cytosolic release of the mitochondrial phosphatase Pgam5. Cytosolic Pgam5 dephosphorylated β-catenin, which drove Wnt signaling and compensatory mitochondrial biogenesis. Collectively, we unravel a critical signaling pathway linking mitophagy to T SCM formation and suggest that the well-tolerated metabolic compound UA represents an attractive option to improve immune therapy.