A basigin antibody modulates MCTs to impact tumor metabolism and immunity

Lactate metabolism and signaling intricately intertwine in the context of cancer and immunity. Basigin, working alongside monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and MCT4, orchestrates the movement of lactate across cell membranes. Despite promising potential in treating aggressive tumors, the impact of basigin antibodies on these interactions remains unclear. Our research sheds light on this complex interplay: basigin positively modulates MCT activity. A basigin antibody transforms basigin into a negative regulator of MCTs. The antibody suppresses lactate transport and enhances anti-tumor immunity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, antibody alters metabolic profiles in PDOs-NSCLCs and T cells. Cryo-EM structure analysis and molecular dynamics simulations unveil that MCT1’s turnover rate is influenced by the flexibility of basigin’s Ig2 domain. By restricting Ig2 flexibility, antibody reduces MCT1 turnover. These findings underscore the promise of basigin antibodies in tumor combat by influencing metabolism and immunity and the value of shared ancillary subunits in targeting heteromeric transporters.