Lack of caspase 8 directs neuronal progenitor-like reprogramming and small cell lung cancer progression

Abstract Most neuroendocrine cancers lack caspase 8 protein expression. While this feature was thought to facilitate escape from extrinsic apoptosis, its cancer-regulatory function has remained unexplored. Here, we devise a mouse model of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) recapitulating the lack of expression of caspase 8 seen in humans and uncover an unexpected role for necroptosis-fueled pre-tumoral inflammation resulting in reprogramming towards a neuronal progenitor cell-like state and increased metastatic disease. Notably, transcriptional signatures of this cellular state are enriched in relapsed and metastatic human SCLC. Mechanistically, caspase 8 loss within the pre-tumoral niche promotes inflammation marked by increased recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) which are responsible for the promotion of metastatic disease. Importantly, inactivation of the necroptosis executioner MLKL reverses pre-tumoral inflammation, decreases metastasis as well as neuronal-like reprogramming. Taken together, our findings suggest that pre-tumoral inflammatory cell death contributes to neuronal progenitor mimicry, immunosuppression and increased metastasis in SCLC.