KCTD10 weakens m6A modification of IL-11 in a ubiquitin-dependent manner to repress tumour immune escape in lung adenocarcinoma

Background and Purpose IGF2BP1 stabilizes oncogenic mRNAs via m6A binding to drive lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression, yet how this modification orchestrates immune evasion remains unclear. Experimental Approach Bioinformatics, RT-qPCR and Western Blotting (WB) first profiled IGF2BP1 expression in LUAD. RNA pull-down, IL-11 stability assays, ELISA and confocal imaging screened and validated IGF2BP1/IL-11 as the key oncogenic axis. ELISA, cytotoxicity experiments and flow cytometry were applied in the exploration of the function of the IGF2BP1/IL-11 axis in LUAD. Bioinformatics analysis, IGF2BP1 half-life detection, WB and ubiquitination experiments were employed to identify the interaction between KCTD10 and IGF2BP1. Allograft experiments were conducted to validate the impact of the KCTD10/IGF2BP1/IL-11 axis on tumour immune escape. Clinical correlation analysis was based on samples of LUAD patients before and after PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment. Key Results IGF2BP1 was up-regulated in LUAD, exhibiting an association with adverse prognosis. Mechanistically, we observed that IGF2BP1 stabilized IL-11 mRNA in an N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-dependent manner, leading to higher protein expression of IL-11, thereby dampening the cytotoxicity and proliferation of CD8 + cells as well as the expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-2. Furthermore, KCTD10 overexpression facilitated ubiquitination and degradation of IGF2BP1, and its combination with an anti-IL-11 monoclonal antibody dramatically enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Conclusion and Implications These findings reveal that KCTD10 degrades IGF2BP1 by ubiquitination, regulates m6A modification of IL-11, and restrains immune evasion in LUAD. Our study identifies potential targets for immunotherapy and proffers new therapeutic options for LUAD patients.