ZNF263–NuRD-mediated repression of STAT1 curtails MHC-I antigen presentation and IFN-γ efficacy in prostate cancer
- Han Guan
- Likai Mao
- Fang Fang
- Tiange Wu
- Yifei Cheng
- Zonghao You
- Hao Lin
- Ruixin Zhang
- Junyong Zhuang
- Gao-Jun Teng
- Chuanjun Shu
- Shenghong Ju
- Ming Chen
- Wenchao Li
- Bin Xu
2026-07-21
Loss of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I is a hallmark of prostate cancer (PCa) immune evasion and immunotherapy failure. Here, we identify ZNF263 as a transcriptional repressor that silences MHC-I by recruiting nucleosome-remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) to the STAT1 promoter, reducing STAT1 and MHC-I expression. Hypoxia enhances this repression through two ZNF263 modifications: phosphorylation-driven phase separation that strengthens NuRD interaction and O-GlcNAcylation at S662 that aids STAT1 promoter binding. O-GlcNAcylation also promotes interaction with protein kinase, DNA‑activated catalytic subunit (PRKDC), amplifying phosphorylation. Interferon‑gamma (IFN‑γ)‑induced MHC-I induction is augmented upon ZNF263 loss. In silico docking identified Viroptic as a Krüppel‑associated box (KRAB) pocket binder disrupting ZNF263–NuRD, derepressing STAT1, and potentiating IFN-γ antitumor immunity in vivo. High ZNF263 correlates with low MHC-I, scarce CD8+ T cells, and poor survival, providing rationale for targeting ZNF263 in PCa immunotherapy.