IL-1α Expands SLC2A1highSPP1highIFNlow Myeloid Cells to Drive Immune Escape and Malignant Transformation of Precancers.

IL-1α promotes expansion of SLC2A1highSPP1highIFNlow myeloid cells that drive immune escape and malignant transformation in precancerous head and neck lesions.

• Why it matters: Understanding the mechanisms behind immune escape in precancerous lesions is crucial for early intervention and prevention of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, which often progress from high-risk precancerous states.
• What they did: Using a genetically engineered mouse model with Sox2 amplification, the study examined myeloid cell signatures, revealing that IL-1α induces a high-risk, suppressive myeloid transcriptomic program characterized by elevated IL-1α, SLC2A1, and SPP1 levels, and low IFN-I targets.
• The result: Early blockade of IL-1 signaling reduced suppressive myeloid subsets, enhanced immune surveillance, and extended survival, suggesting IL-1α-driven myeloid reprogramming as a target to prevent malignant transformation.