Fusion transcripts FYN-TRAF3IP2 and KHDRBS1-LCK hijack T cell receptor signaling in peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas with poor prognosis. Up to 30% of PTCL lack distinctive features and are classified as PTCL, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). To further improve our understanding of the genetic landscape and biology of PTCL-NOS, we perform RNA-sequencing of 18 cases and validate results in an independent cohort of 37 PTCL cases. We identify FYN-TRAF3IP2, KHDRBS1-LCK and SIN3A-FOXO1 as new in-frame fusion transcripts, with FYN-TRAF3IP2 as a recurrent fusion detected in 8 of 55 cases. Using ex vivo and in vivo experiments, we demonstrate that FYN-TRAF3IP2 and KHDRBS1-LCK activate signaling pathways downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex and confer therapeutic vulnerability to clinically available drugs. Peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) not otherwise specified (NOS) is a subgroup of PTCL, which has no distinctive features and is poorly characterized at the genetic level. Here, the authors identify two fusion transcripts that activate T cell receptor complex signalling and confer therapeutic vulnerability in PTCL-NOS.