B cell extracellular vesicles influence melanoma response to immune checkpoint therapy

Sci Adv. 2025 Oct 10;11(41):eadt4551. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adt4551. Epub 2025 Oct 8.

Abstract

The immune tumor microenvironment is a dynamic ecosystem where B cells play critical roles in modulating immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy responses. While traditionally seen as passive players in tumor immunity, recent evidence suggests that B cells actively influence antitumor responses. This study examines the role of B cells and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) in melanoma responses to ICB. Retrospective meta-analyses reveal increased B cell enrichment in ICB responders' pretreatment. Functional assays show that B cell depletion impairs T cell-mediated tumor cytotoxicity. EVs from melanoma tumors were analyzed, identifying miR-99a-5p in CD19+ EVs as up-regulated in responders. Silencing miR-99a-5p in B cells reduces T cell antitumor activity, suggesting its role in immune modulation. Mechanistically, miR-99a-5p promotes B cell maturation via class-switch recombination. These findings underscore B cells' impact on melanoma immunotherapy, offering insights into novel therapeutic strategies targeting B cell-related pathways.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes* / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes* / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Extracellular Vesicles* / immunology
  • Extracellular Vesicles* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Melanoma* / drug therapy
  • Melanoma* / genetics
  • Melanoma* / immunology
  • Melanoma* / metabolism
  • Melanoma* / pathology
  • Melanoma* / therapy
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • MicroRNAs