Targeting the DSTYK-ULK1 axis rewires TNFR1 signaling to overcome treatment resistance in lung cancer

Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment of non-small cell lung Cancer (NSCLC). Yet, acquired resistance remains a major clinical challenge. Defining molecular determinants of tumor sensitivity to T cell-mediated killing is therefore critical. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) released by cytotoxic T cells promotes tumor cell death, whereas NF-κB signaling supports survival. Autophagy counteracts TNFα-induced Apoptosis, and its inhibition enhances responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Genomic alterations further contribute to immune evasion and reduced immunotherapy efficacy. We previously identified DSTYK, a dual serine/threonine and tyrosine kinase amplified in NSCLC, as a suppressor of TNF-α-mediated CD8⁺ T cell killing and a driver of ICI resistance through Autophagy. Here, we show that DSTYK modulates TNFR1 signaling by phosphorylating the Autophagy initiator ULK1, which enables ULK1-dependent phosphorylation of RIPK1. Loss of DSTYK disrupts ULK1 activation, promotes RIPK1 autophosphorylation, proapoptotic signaling, and impaired NF-κB-dependent survival. These findings define a DSTYK-ULK1-RIPK1 axis controlling TNF-α-induced Apoptosis and support targeting ULK1 to sensitize DSTYK-amplified NSCLC to T cell-mediated killing.