GPR116 receptor regulates the antitumor function of NK cells via Gαq/HIF1α/NF-κB signaling pathway as a potential immune checkpoint

BACKGROUND: NK cell is one of innate immune cells and can protect the body from cancer-initiating cells. It has been reported that GPR116 receptor is involved in inflammation and tumors. However, the effect of GPR116 receptor on the NK cells remains largely unclear. RESULTS: We discovered that GPR116(−/−) mice could efficiently eliminate pancreatic cancer through enhancing the proportion and function of NK cells in tumor. Moreover, the expression of GPR116 receptor was decreased upon the activation of the NK cells. Besides, GPR116(−/−) NK cells showed higher cytotoxicity and antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo by producing more GzmB and IFNγ than wild-type (WT) NK cells. Mechanistically, GPR116 receptor regulated the function of NK cells via Gαq/HIF1α/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, downregulation of GPR116 receptor promoted the antitumor activity of NKG2D-CAR-NK92 cells against pancreatic cancer both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that GPR116 receptor had a negatively effect on NK cell function and downregulation of GPR116 receptor in NKG2D-CAR-NK92 cells could enhance the antitumor activity, which provides a new idea to enhance the antitumor efficiency of CAR NK cell therapy. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-023-01005-7.