InVivoMAb anti-mouse CTLA-4 (CD152)
Product Details
The 9H10 monoclonal antibody reacts with mouse CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4) also known as CD152. CTLA-4 is a 33 kDa cell surface receptor encoded by the Ctla4 gene that belongs to the CD28 family of the Ig superfamily. CTLA-4 is expressed on activated T and B lymphocytes. CTLA-4 is structurally similar to the T-cell co-stimulatory protein, CD28, and both molecules bind to the B7 family members B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86). Upon ligand binding, CTLA-4 negatively regulates cell-mediated immune responses. CTLA-4 plays roles in induction and/or maintenance of immunological tolerance, thymocyte development, and regulation of protective immunity. The critical role of CTLA-4 in immune down-regulation has been demonstrated in CTLA-4 deficient mice, which succumb at 3-5 weeks of age due to the development of a lymphoproliferative disease. CTLA-4 is among a group of inhibitory receptors being explored as cancer treatment targets through immune checkpoint blockade. The 9H10 antibody has been shown to promote T cell co-stimulation by blocking CTLA-4 binding to the B7 co-receptors, allowing for CD28 binding.Specifications
| Isotype | Syrian hamster IgG |
|---|---|
| Recommended Isotype Control(s) | InVivoMAb polyclonal Syrian hamster IgG |
| Recommended Dilution Buffer | InVivoPure pH 7.0 Dilution Buffer |
| Conjugation | This product is unconjugated. Conjugation is available via our Antibody Conjugation Services. |
| Immunogen | Mouse CTLA-4-human IgG1 fusion protein |
| Reported Applications |
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization in vitro CTLA-4 neutralization Western blot |
| Formulation |
PBS, pH 7.0 Contains no stabilizers or preservatives |
| Endotoxin |
<2EU/mg (<0.002EU/Ī¼g) Determined by LAL gel clotting assay |
| Purity |
>95% Determined by SDS-PAGE |
| Sterility | 0.2 Āµm filtration |
| Production | Purified from cell culture supernatant in an animal-free facility |
| Purification | Protein G |
| RRID | AB_10950184 |
| Molecular Weight | 150 kDa |
| Storage | The antibody solution should be stored at the stock concentration at 4Ā°C. Do not freeze. |
Additional Formats
Recommended Products
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Recommended Isotype Control(s)
InVivoMAb polyclonal Syrian hamster IgG
-
Recommended Dilution Buffer
InVivoPure pH 7.0 Dilution Buffer
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Ariyan, C. E., et al. (2018). "Robust Antitumor Responses Result from Local Chemotherapy and CTLA-4 Blockade" Cancer Immunol Res 6(2): 189-200. PubMed
Clinical responses to immunotherapy have been associated with augmentation of preexisting immune responses, manifested by heightened inflammation in the tumor microenvironment. However, many tumors have a noninflamed microenvironment, and response rates to immunotherapy in melanoma have been <50%. We approached this problem by utilizing immunotherapy (CTLA-4 blockade) combined with chemotherapy to induce local inflammation. In murine models of melanoma and prostate cancer, the combination of chemotherapy and CTLA-4 blockade induced a shift in the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment, with infiltrating CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells increasing the CD8/Foxp3 T-cell ratio. These changes were associated with improved survival of the mice. To translate these findings into a clinical setting, 26 patients with advanced melanoma were treated locally by isolated limb infusion with the nitrogen mustard alkylating agent melphalan followed by systemic administration of CTLA-4 blocking antibody (ipilimumab) in a phase II trial. This combination of local chemotherapy with systemic checkpoint blockade inhibitor resulted in a response rate of 85% at 3 months (62% complete and 23% partial response rate) and a 58% progression-free survival at 1 year. The clinical response was associated with increased T-cell infiltration, similar to that seen in the murine models. Together, our findings suggest that local chemotherapy combined with checkpoint blockade-based immunotherapy results in a durable response to cancer therapy.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Gao, J., et al. (2016). "Loss of IFN-gamma Pathway Genes in Tumor Cells as a Mechanism of Resistance to Anti-CTLA-4 Therapy" Cell 167(2): 397-404 e399. PubMed
Antibody blockade of the inhibitory CTLA-4 pathway has led to clinical benefit in a subset of patients with metastatic melanoma. Anti-CTLA-4 enhances T cell responses, including production of IFN-gamma, which is a critical cytokine for host immune responses. However, the role of IFN-gamma signaling in tumor cells in the setting of anti-CTLA-4 therapy remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that patients identified as non-responders to anti-CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) have tumors with genomic defects in IFN-gamma pathway genes. Furthermore, mice bearing melanoma tumors with knockdown of IFN-gamma receptor 1 (IFNGR1) have impaired tumor rejection upon anti-CTLA-4 therapy. These data highlight that loss of the IFN-gamma signaling pathway is associated with primary resistance to anti-CTLA-4 therapy. Our findings demonstrate the importance of tumor genomic data, especially IFN-gamma related genes, as prognostic information for patients selected to receive treatment with immune checkpoint therapy.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Stephan, S. B., et al. (2015). "Biopolymer implants enhance the efficacy of adoptive T-cell therapy" Nat Biotechnol 33(1): 97-101. PubMed
Although adoptive T-cell therapy holds promise for the treatment of many cancers, its clinical utility has been limited by problems in delivering targeted lymphocytes to tumor sites, and the cellsā inefficient expansion in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Here we describe a bioactive polymer implant capable of delivering, expanding and dispersing tumor-reactive T cells. The approach can be used to treat inoperable or incompletely removed tumors by situating implants near them or at resection sites. Using a mouse breast cancer resection model, we show that the implants effectively support tumor-targeting T cells throughout resection beds and associated lymph nodes, and reduce tumor relapse compared to conventional delivery modalities. In a multifocal ovarian cancer model, we demonstrate that polymer-delivered T cells trigger regression, whereas injected tumor-reactive lymphocytes have little curative effect. Scaffold-based T-cell delivery may provide a viable treatment option for inoperable tumors and reduce the rate of metastatic relapse after surgery.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Spranger, S., et al. (2015). "Melanoma-intrinsic beta-catenin signalling prevents anti-tumour immunity" Nature 523(7559): 231-235. PubMed
Melanoma treatment is being revolutionized by the development of effective immunotherapeutic approaches. These strategies include blockade of immune-inhibitory receptors on activated T cells; for example, using monoclonal antibodies against CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 (refs 3-5). However, only a subset of patients responds to these treatments, and data suggest that therapeutic benefit is preferentially achieved in patients with a pre-existing T-cell response against their tumour, as evidenced by a baseline CD8(+) T-cell infiltration within the tumour microenvironment. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the presence or absence of a spontaneous anti-tumour T-cell response in subsets of cases, therefore, should enable the development of therapeutic solutions for patients lacking a T-cell infiltrate. Here we identify a melanoma-cell-intrinsic oncogenic pathway that contributes to a lack of T-cell infiltration in melanoma. Molecular analysis of human metastatic melanoma samples revealed a correlation between activation of the WNT/beta-catenin signalling pathway and absence of a T-cell gene expression signature. Using autochthonous mouse melanoma models we identified the mechanism by which tumour-intrinsic active beta-catenin signalling results in T-cell exclusion and resistance to anti-PD-L1/anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody therapy. Specific oncogenic signals, therefore, can mediate cancer immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapies, pointing to new candidate targets for immune potentiation.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Twyman-Saint Victor, C., et al. (2015). "Radiation and dual checkpoint blockade activate non-redundant immune mechanisms in cancer" Nature 520(7547): 373-377. PubMed
Immune checkpoint inhibitors result in impressive clinical responses, but optimal results will require combination with each other and other therapies. This raises fundamental questions about mechanisms of non-redundancy and resistance. Here we report major tumour regressions in a subset of patients with metastatic melanoma treated with an anti-CTLA4 antibody (anti-CTLA4) and radiation, and reproduced this effect in mouse models. Although combined treatment improved responses in irradiated and unirradiated tumours, resistance was common. Unbiased analyses of mice revealed that resistance was due to upregulation of PD-L1 on melanoma cells and associated with T-cell exhaustion. Accordingly, optimal response in melanoma and other cancer types requires radiation, anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-L1/PD-1. Anti-CTLA4 predominantly inhibits T-regulatory cells (Treg cells), thereby increasing the CD8 T-cell to Treg (CD8/Treg) ratio. Radiation enhances the diversity of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire of intratumoral T cells. Together, anti-CTLA4 promotes expansion of T cells, while radiation shapes the TCR repertoire of the expanded peripheral clones. Addition of PD-L1 blockade reverses T-cell exhaustion to mitigate depression in the CD8/Treg ratio and further encourages oligoclonal T-cell expansion. Similarly to results from mice, patients on our clinical trial with melanoma showing high PD-L1 did not respond to radiation plus anti-CTLA4, demonstrated persistent T-cell exhaustion, and rapidly progressed. Thus, PD-L1 on melanoma cells allows tumours to escape anti-CTLA4-based therapy, and the combination of radiation, anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD-L1 promotes response and immunity through distinct mechanisms.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Bartkowiak, T., et al. (2015). "Unique potential of 4-1BB agonist antibody to promote durable regression of HPV+ tumors when combined with an E6/E7 peptide vaccine" Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 112(38): E5290-5299. PubMed
Antibody modulation of T-cell coinhibitory (e.g., CTLA-4) or costimulatory (e.g., 4-1BB) receptors promotes clinical responses to a variety of cancers. Therapeutic cancer vaccination, in contrast, has produced limited clinical benefit and no curative therapies. The E6 and E7 oncoproteins of human papilloma virus (HPV) drive the majority of genital cancers, and many oropharyngeal tumors. We discovered 15-19 amino acid peptides from HPV-16 E6/E7 for which induction of T-cell immunity correlates with disease-free survival in patients treated for high-grade cervical neoplasia. We report here that intranasal vaccination with these peptides and the adjuvant alpha-galactosylceramide elicits systemic and mucosal T-cell responses leading to reduced HPV(+) TC-1 tumor growth and prolonged survival in mice. We hypothesized that the inability of these T cells to fully reject established tumors resulted from suppression in the tumor microenvironment which could be ameliorated through checkpoint modulation. Combining this E6/E7 peptide vaccine with checkpoint blockade produced only modest benefit; however, coadministration with a 4-1BB agonist antibody promoted durable regression of established genital TC-1 tumors. Relative to other therapies tested, this combination of vaccine and alpha4-1BB promoted the highest CD8(+) versus regulatory FoxP3(+) T-cell ratios, elicited 2- to 5-fold higher infiltration by E7-specific CTL, and evoked higher densities of highly cytotoxic TcEO (T cytotoxic Eomesodermin) CD8 (>70-fold) and ThEO (T helper Eomesodermin) CD4 (>17-fold) T cells. These findings have immediate clinical relevance both in terms of the direct clinical utility of the vaccine studied and in illustrating the potential of 4-1BB antibody to convert therapeutic E6/E7 vaccines already in clinical trials into curative therapies.
in vitro CTLA-4 neutralization
Krummey, S. M., et al. (2014). "Candida-elicited murine Th17 cells express high Ctla-4 compared with Th1 cells and are resistant to costimulation blockade" J Immunol 192(5): 2495-2504. PubMed
Effector and memory T cells may cross-react with allogeneic Ags to mediate graft rejection. Whereas the costimulation properties of Th1 cells are well studied, relatively little is known about the costimulation requirements of microbe-elicited Th17 cells. The costimulation blocker CTLA-4 Ig has been ineffective in the treatment of several Th17-driven autoimmune diseases and is associated with severe acute rejection following renal transplantation, leading us to investigate whether Th17 cells play a role in CD28/CTLA-4 blockade-resistant alloreactivity. We established an Ag-specific model in which Th1 and Th17 cells were elicited via Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans immunization, respectively. C. albicans immunization elicited a higher frequency of Th17 cells and conferred resistance to costimulation blockade following transplantation. Compared with the M. tuberculosis group, C. albicans-elicited Th17 cells contained a higher frequency of IL-17(+)IFN-gamma(+) producers and a lower frequency of IL-10(+) and IL-10(+)IL-17(+) cells. Importantly, Th17 cells differentially regulated the CD28/CTLA-4 pathway, expressing similarly high CD28 but significantly greater amounts of CTLA-4 compared with Th1 cells. Ex vivo blockade experiments demonstrated that Th17 cells are more sensitive to CTLA-4 coinhibition and therefore less susceptible to CTLA-4 Ig. These novel insights into the differential regulation of CTLA-4 coinhibition on CD4(+) T cells have implications for the immunomodulation of pathologic T cell responses during transplantation and autoimmunity.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Ozdemir, B. C., et al. (2014). "Depletion of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts and fibrosis induces immunosuppression and accelerates pancreas cancer with reduced survival" Cancer Cell 25(6): 719-734. PubMed
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with marked fibrosis and stromal myofibroblasts, but their functional contribution remains unknown. Transgenic mice with the ability to delete alphaSMA(+) myofibroblasts in pancreatic cancer were generated. Depletion starting at either noninvasive precursor (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia) or the PDAC stage led to invasive, undifferentiated tumors with enhanced hypoxia, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and cancer stem cells, with diminished animal survival. In PDAC patients, fewer myofibroblasts in their tumors also correlated with reduced survival. Suppressed immune surveillance with increased CD4(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs was observed in myofibroblast-depleted mouse tumors. Although myofibroblast-depleted tumors did not respond to gemcitabine, anti-CTLA4 immunotherapy reversed disease acceleration and prolonged animal survival. This study underscores the need for caution in targeting carcinoma-associated fibroblasts in PDAC.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Hervieu, A., et al. (2013). "Dacarbazine-mediated upregulation of NKG2D ligands on tumor cells activates NK and CD8 T cells and restrains melanoma growth" J Invest Dermatol 133(2): 499-508. PubMed
Dacarbazine (DTIC) is a cytotoxic drug widely used for melanoma treatment. However, the putative contribution of anticancer immune responses in the efficacy of DTIC has not been evaluated. By testing how DTIC affects host immune responses to cancer in a mouse model of melanoma, we unexpectedly found that both natural killer (NK) and CD8(+) T cells were indispensable for DTIC therapeutic effect. Although DTIC did not directly affect immune cells, it triggered the upregulation of NKG2D ligands on tumor cells, leading to NK cell activation and IFNgamma secretion in mice and humans. NK cell-derived IFNgamma subsequently favored upregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules on tumor cells, rendering them sensitive to cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells. Accordingly, DTIC markedly enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 inhibition efficacy in vivo in an NK-dependent manner. These results underscore the immunogenic properties of DTIC and provide a rationale to combine DTIC with immunotherapeutic agents that relieve immunosuppression in vivo.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Goding, S. R., et al. (2013). "Restoring immune function of tumor-specific CD4+ T cells during recurrence of melanoma" J Immunol 190(9): 4899-4909. PubMed
Recurrent solid malignancies are often refractory to standard therapies. Although adoptive T cell transfer may benefit select individuals, the majority of patients succumb to their disease. To address this important clinical dilemma, we developed a mouse melanoma model in which initial regression of advanced disease was followed by tumor recurrence. During recurrence, Foxp3(+) tumor-specific CD4(+) T cells became PD-1(+) and represented >60% of the tumor-specific CD4(+) T cells in the host. Concomitantly, tumor-specific CD4(+) T effector cells showed traits of chronic exhaustion, as evidenced by their high expression of the PD-1, TIM-3, 2B4, TIGIT, and LAG-3 inhibitory molecules. Although blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway with anti-PD-L1 Abs or depletion of tumor-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs) alone failed to reverse tumor recurrence, the combination of PD-L1 blockade with tumor-specific Treg depletion effectively mediated disease regression. Furthermore, blockade with a combination of anti-PD-L1 and anti-LAG-3 Abs overcame the requirement to deplete tumor-specific Tregs. In contrast, successful treatment of primary melanoma with adoptive cell therapy required only Treg depletion or Ab therapy, underscoring the differences in the characteristics of treatment between primary and relapsing cancer. These data highlight the need for preclinical development of combined immunotherapy approaches specifically targeting recurrent disease.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Waitz, R., et al. (2012). "Potent induction of tumor immunity by combining tumor cryoablation with anti-CTLA-4 therapy" Cancer Res 72(2): 430-439. PubMed
Thermal ablation to destroy tumor tissue may help activate tumor-specific T cells by elevating the presentation of tumor antigens to the immune system. However, the antitumor activity of these T cells may be restrained by their expression of the inhibitory T-cell coreceptor CTLA-4, the target of the recently U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved antibody drug ipilumimab. By relieving this restraint, CTLA-4-blocking antibodies such as ipilumimab can promote tumor rejection, but the full scope of their most suitable applications has yet to be fully determined. In this study, we offer a preclinical proof-of-concept in the TRAMP C2 mouse model of prostate cancer that CTLA-4 blockade cooperates with cryoablation of a primary tumor to prevent the outgrowth of secondary tumors seeded by challenge at a distant site. Although growth of secondary tumors was unaffected by cryoablation alone, the combination treatment was sufficient to slow growth or trigger rejection. In addition, secondary tumors were highly infiltrated by CD4(+) T cells and CD8(+) T cells, and there was a significant increase in the ratio of intratumoral T effector cells to CD4(+)FoxP3(+) T regulatory cells, compared with monotherapy. These findings documented for the first time an effect of this immunotherapeutic intervention on the intratumoral accumulation and systemic expansion of CD8(+) T cells specific for the TRAMP C2-specific antigen SPAS-1. Although cryoablation is currently used to treat a targeted tumor nodule, our results suggest that combination therapy with CTLA-4 blockade will augment antitumor immunity and rejection of tumor metastases in this setting.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Balachandran, V. P., et al. (2011). "Imatinib potentiates antitumor T cell responses in gastrointestinal stromal tumor through the inhibition of Ido" Nat Med 17(9): 1094-1100. PubMed
Imatinib mesylate targets mutated KIT oncoproteins in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and produces a clinical response in 80% of patients. The mechanism is believed to depend predominantly on the inhibition of KIT-driven signals for tumor-cell survival and proliferation. Using a mouse model of spontaneous GIST, we found that the immune system contributes substantially to the antitumor effects of imatinib. Imatinib therapy activated CD8(+) T cells and induced regulatory T cell (T(reg) cell) apoptosis within the tumor by reducing tumor-cell expression of the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (Ido). Concurrent immunotherapy augmented the efficacy of imatinib in mouse GIST. In freshly obtained human GIST specimens, the T cell profile correlated with imatinib sensitivity and IDO expression. Thus, T cells are crucial to the antitumor effects of imatinib in GIST, and concomitant immunotherapy may further improve outcomes in human cancers treated with targeted agents.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Pedicord, V. A., et al. (2011). "Single dose of anti-CTLA-4 enhances CD8+ T-cell memory formation, function, and maintenance" Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 108(1): 266-271. PubMed
CTLA-4, an Ig superfamily molecule with homology to CD28, is one of the most potent negative regulators of T-cell responses. In vivo blockade of CTLA-4 exacerbates autoimmunity, enhances tumor-specific T-cell responses, and may inhibit the induction of T-cell anergy. Clinical trials of CTLA-4-blocking antibodies to augment T-cell responses to malignant melanoma are at an advanced stage; however, little is known about the effects of CTLA-4 blockade on memory CD8(+) T-cell responses and the formation and maintenance of long-term CD8(+) T-cell memory. In our studies, we show that during in vivo memory CD8(+) T-cell responses to Listeria monocytogenes infection, CTLA-4 blockade enhances bacterial clearance and increases memory CD8(+) T-cell expansion. This is followed by an accumulation of memory cells that are capable of producing the effector cytokines IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. We also demonstrate that in a vaccination setting, blocking CTLA-4 during CD8(+) T-cell priming leads to increased expansion and maintenance of antigen-specific memory CD8(+) T cells without adversely affecting the overall T-cell repertoire. This leads to an increase in memory cell effector function and improved protective immunity against further bacterial challenges. These results indicate that transient blockade of CTLA-4 enhances memory CD8(+) T-cell responses and support the possible use of CTLA-4-blocking antibodies during vaccination to augment memory formation and maintenance.
in vivo CTLA-4 neutralization
Quezada, S. A., et al. (2010). "Tumor-reactive CD4(+) T cells develop cytotoxic activity and eradicate large established melanoma after transfer into lymphopenic hosts" J Exp Med 207(3): 637-650. PubMed
Adoptive transfer of large numbers of tumor-reactive CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) expanded and differentiated in vitro has shown promising clinical activity against cancer. However, such protocols are complicated by extensive ex vivo manipulations of tumor-reactive cells and have largely focused on CD8(+) CTLs, with much less emphasis on the role and contribution of CD4(+) T cells. Using a mouse model of advanced melanoma, we found that transfer of small numbers of naive tumor-reactive CD4(+) T cells into lymphopenic recipients induces substantial T cell expansion, differentiation, and regression of large established tumors without the need for in vitro manipulation. Surprisingly, CD4(+) T cells developed cytotoxic activity, and tumor rejection was dependent on class II-restricted recognition of tumors by tumor-reactive CD4(+) T cells. Furthermore, blockade of the coinhibitory receptor CTL-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) on the transferred CD4(+) T cells resulted in greater expansion of effector T cells, diminished accumulation of tumor-reactive regulatory T cells, and superior antitumor activity capable of inducing regression of spontaneous mouse melanoma. These findings suggest a novel potential therapeutic role for cytotoxic CD4(+) T cells and CTLA-4 blockade in cancer immunotherapy, and demonstrate the potential advantages of differentiating tumor-reactive CD4(+) cells in vivo over current protocols favoring in vitro expansion and differentiation.
- Immunology and Microbiology,
Characterisation of an autochthonous mouse ccRCC model of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy resistance.
In Scientific Reports on 5 June 2025 by Peighambari, A., Huang, H., et al.
Many metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) are resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies, however the mechanisms underlying sensitivity or resistance remain incompletely characterised. We demonstrate that ccRCCs in the Vhl/Trp53/Rb1 mutant mouse model are resistant to combined anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA-4 therapy alone and in combination with additional therapeutic agents that reflect current ccRCC clinical trials. However, in some animals in vivo checkpoint therapy allowed isolated splenic T cells to recognise cultured ccRCC cells from the same animal, implicating the tumour microenvironment in suppression of T cell activation. We identified putative immunosuppressive myeloid cell populations with features similar to myeloid cells in the microenvironment of human ccRCC. The expression patterns of immune checkpoint ligands in both the mouse model and in human ccRCC suggests that several checkpoint systems other than PD-1 and CTLA-4 are likely to represent the dominant T cell suppressive forces in ccRCC. Our findings characterise an autochthonous mouse ccRCC model of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy resistance and pave the way for a systematic functional dissection of the identified potential molecular barriers to effective immune therapy of ccRCC. Ā© 2025. The Author(s).
- Cancer Research
ACVR2A attenuation impacts lactate production and hyperglycolytic conditions attracting regulatory T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma.
In Cell Reports Medicine on 15 April 2025 by Yasukawa, K., Shimada, S., et al.
Although ACVR2A mutations are prevalent in non-viral hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), the underlying mechanism remains unelucidated. Our molecular investigation reveals that ACVR2A impairment induces hyperglycolysis through the inactivation of the SMAD signaling pathway. Using syngeneic transplantation models and human clinical samples, we clarify that ACVR2A-deficient HCC cells produce and secrete lactate via the upregulation of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) expression levels, which promotes regulatory T (Treg) cell accumulation and then acquires resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Remarkably, genetic knockdown and pharmacological inhibition of MCT4 ameliorate the high-lactate milieu in ACVR2A-deficient HCC, resulting in the suppression of intratumoral Treg cell recruitment and the restoration of the sensitivity to PD-1 blockade. These findings furnish compelling evidence that lactate attenuates anti-tumor immunity and that therapeutics targeting this pathway present a promising strategy for mitigating immunotherapy resistance in ACVR2A-deficient HCC. Copyright Ā© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
- Cancer Research
CIT tumor lines: A novel series of immunogenic squamous cell skin carcinoma cell lines derived from chemical carcinogenesis
Preprint on BioRxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology on 8 April 2025 by Tanaka, M., Letchworth, R., et al.
Immunotherapy is now widely used to treat cancer, but its efficacy in many cancer types remains modest. To overcome current barriers, preclinical mouse models that faithfully recapitulate the diversity of cancer types, tumor genetics, mutation burdens, and neoantigen patterns of human tumors are essential. Currently, there are relatively few transplantable murine models of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Here we describe a novel series of 11 skin SCC tumor lines, the Carcinogen-Induced Tumor (CIT) lines, syngeneic to the FVB strain. The CIT lines were established from skin carcinomas induced by DMBA and TPA treatment, and harbor genetic drivers and overall tumor mutational burdens that recapitulate those found across multiple human SCCs. Each CIT line gives rise to tumors with a consistent immune infiltration pattern, ranging from T cell-rich āhotā tumors to T cell-poor ācoldā tumors. Hot CIT lines exhibit partial responses to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, and we have identified two neoantigens present in an immunotherapy-responsive CIT line. The CIT lines thus provide a valuable new series of preclinical models for studying anti-tumor immune responses and developing strategies to improve immunotherapy efficacy in SCCs.
- Cardiovascular biology,
- Immunology and Microbiology
MLKL-Mediated Necroptosis Predominantly Contributes to Immune-Associated Myocardial Damage.
In Inflammation on 7 April 2025 by Sun, J., Wu, W., et al.
Activated T cells and macrophages play a critical role in immune-associated myocarditis. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving cardiomyocyte damage by immune cells remain poorly understood. In this study, we co-cultured human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) with activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (aPBMCs) to recapitulate myocardial infiltration of immune cells. Our results demonstrated that aPBMCs induced hiPSC-CMs death in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Transcriptome analysis revealed the activation of several death pathways, including pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis. The time course of immunofluorescence staining of key proteins related to different death pathways demonstrated that necroptosis was the earliest activated pathway. Pharmacological blockade of necroptosis by targeting mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and receptor-interacting protein RIPK1 kinase 3 (RIPK3) protected hiPSC-CMs against injury induced by aPBMCs, while inhibitors of pyroptosis and apoptosis showed no protective effect. Moreover, MLKL knockdown in hiPSC-CMs prevented cell death due to aPBMCs challenge. Additionally, we validated the cardioprotective effects of blocking necroptosis in a mouse model of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-related myocarditis using a combination of long-term anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD- 1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen- 4 (CTLA- 4) antibodies. ICIs led to elevation of myocardial injury markers in serum and activated immune cells infiltration. Furthermore, in vivo administration of a MLKL inhibitor prevented ICIs-induced myocardial injury. In conclusion, our findings suggested that MLKL-mediated necroptosis predominantly contributed to cardiomyocyte death resulting from activated immune cells. Suppressing necroptosis may be an effective therapeutic approach against myocardial damage in myocarditis. Ā© 2025. The Author(s).
- Cancer Research,
- Immunology and Microbiology
Antigen-presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts in murine pancreatic tumors differentially control regulatory T cell phenotype and function via CXCL9 and CCL22
Preprint on BioRxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology on 1 April 2025 by Maru, S. Y., Wetzel, M., et al.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) including stromal cells that influence resistance to therapy. Recent studies have revealed that stromal cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are heterogeneous in origin, gene expression, and function. Antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs), are defined by major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II expression and can activate effector CD4 + T cells that have the potential to contribute to the anti-cancer immune response, but also can induce regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation. Whether apCAFs promote or restrain the antitumor response remains uncertain. Using tumor clones of the KPC murine PDAC model differing in sensitivity to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), we found that immunosensitive (sKPC) tumors were characterized by higher immune cell and apCAF infiltration than resistant (rKPC) tumors. IMC analysis showed proximity of apCAFs and CD4 + T cells in both sKPC and rKPC tumors implicating interaction within the TME. apCAF-depleted sKPC tumor-bearing mice had diminished sensitivity to ICB. apCAFs from both sKPC and rKPC tumors activated tumor-infiltrating CD4 + T cells and induced Treg differentiation. However, transcriptomic analysis showed that Tregs induced by apCAFs were overexpressed for immunosuppressive genes in rKPCs relative to sKPCs, and that this is associated with differential chemokine signaling from apCAFs depending on tumor origin. Together these data implicate apCAFs as important mediators of the antitumor immune response, modulation of which could facilitate the development of more effective anti-tumor immune based approaches for PDAC patients.
- Cancer Research
Oncolytic adenovirus inhibits TNBC tumor growth/metastasis in mice by targeting TGFB and overexpressing GM-CSF.
In Molecular Therapy. Oncology on 20 March 2025 by Nhan, N. T. T., Shin, S. C., et al.
Despite therapeutic advancements, metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains mostly incurable and is a frequent cause of cancer-related deaths. We tested the hypothesis that inhibiting suppressive signals sustained by transforming growth factor (TGF)-Ī² and concurrently stimulating recruitment of inflammatory cells with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) by oncolytic viruses would result in improved anti-tumor responses. Thus, we developed a new oncolytic adenovirus rAd.sT.GM (AMUN-003) that expresses both sTGFĪ²RIIFc (a TGF-Ī² decoy), and GM-CSF and tested it in a mouse TNBC (4T1) subcutaneous model. rAd.sT.GM was safe to use and more effective in controlling tumor progression and lung metastasis following intratumoral injections when compared with control adenoviruses without modifications. In the same model, combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy with rAd.sT.GM resulted in better inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, we examined key immune response and prognosis biomarkers in sera, lungs, spleens, and tumors to evaluate the treatment efficacy. We found several key anti-tumor Th1 cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and interferon-Ī³, were stimulated by the combination therapy either systemically or in tumors or both, as well as anti-tumor biomarkers such as Granzyme B and perforin. These results support advancement to clinical testing with the combination therapy of rAd.sT.GM and ICIs for TNBC patients. Ā© 2025 The Author(s).
- Cancer Research
Inhibitors of oncogenic Kras specifically prime CTLA4 blockade to transcriptionally reprogram Tregs and overcome resistance to suppress pancreas cancer
Preprint on BioRxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology on 4 March 2025 by Mahadevan, K. K., Maldonado, A. S., et al.
Lack of sustained response to oncogenic Kras (Kras*) inhibition in preclinical models and patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) emphasizes the need to identify impactful synergistic combination therapies to achieve robust clinical benefit. Kras* targeting results in an influx of global T cell infiltrates including Tregs, effector CD8 + T cells and exhausted CD8 + T cells expressing several immune checkpoint molecules in PDAC. Here, we probe whether the T cell influx induced by diverse Kras* inhibitors open a therapeutic window to target the adaptive immune response in PDAC. We show a specific synergy of anti-CTLA4 immune checkpoint blockade with Kras* targeting primed by Kras G12D allele specific inhibitor, MRTX1133 and multi-selective pan-RAS inhibitor, RMC-6236, both currently in clinical testing phase. In contrast, attempted therapeutic combination following Kras* targeting with multiple checkpoint inhibitors, including anti-PD1, anti-Tim3, anti-Lag3, anti-Vista and anti-4-1BB agonist antibody failed due to compensatory mechanisms mediated by other checkpoints on exhausted CD8 + T cells. Anti-CTLA4 therapy in Kras* targeted PDAC transcriptionally reprograms effector T regs to a naĆÆve phenotype, reverses CD8 + T cell exhaustion and is associated with recruitment of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) containing interferon (IFN)-stimulated/ activated B cells and germinal center B cells to enable immunotherapy efficacy and overcome resistance with long-term survival. Single cell ATAC sequencing analysis revealed that transcriptional reprogramming of Tregs is epigenetically regulated by downregulation of AP-1 family of transcription factors including Fos, Fos-b, Jun-b, Jun-d in the IL-35 promoter region. This study reveals an actionable vulnerability in the adaptive immune response in Kras* targeted PDAC with important clinical implications. Graphical abstract
- Mus musculus (House mouse),
- Cancer Research
Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and obesity interact to impact tumor progression and treatment response in triple negative breast cancer.
In Cancer Metabolism on 25 February 2025 by Devericks, E. N., Brosnan, B. H., et al.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which tends to be more advanced when diagnosed and more aggressive than other breast cancer subtypes, is accelerated by obesity. Hypertrophic adipocytes and cancer cells exhibit increased oxidative stress and altered redox homeostasis, influencing therapeutic outcomes. Enzymes implicated in both redox regulation and TNBC include glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4; reduces lipid peroxides) and pyruvate carboxylase (PC; essential in oxidative stress protection). Using preclinical models, we characterized interactions between GPX4, PC, and oxidative stress in TNBC cells, and established effects of GPX4 suppression on TNBC progression. In TNBC cells, PC knockdown increased GPX4 expression, while GPX4 knockdown increased PC expression. GPX4 inhibition by erastin or RSL3 enhanced TNBC cell death in vitro, and antioxidants mitigated the cytotoxicity. In obese mice, GPX4 knockdown, versus scramble control: (i) reduced tumor burden following orthotopic transplantation of TNBC cells; and (ii) reduced lung metastasis following tail vein injection of TNBC cells in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin) but not immunotherapy (anti-CTLA4 plus anti-PD1). We conclude that GPX4 and PC expression are inversely related in TNBC cells, and GPX4 and obesity interact to impact TNBC progression and treatment responses. Moreover, GPX4-mediated redox defense, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, is a targetable vulnerability for treating TNBC, including obesity-related TNBC. GPX4 suppression, alone or with current TNBC therapies, impacts outcomes in preclinical TNBC models with or without obesity and offers a new, plausible mechanistic target for TNBC treatment. Ā© 2025. The Author(s).
- Mus musculus (House mouse),
- Immunology and Microbiology
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG induces STING-dependent IL-10 in intestinal monocytes and alleviates inflammatory colitis in mice.
In The Journal of Clinical Investigation on 3 February 2025 by Si, W., Zhao, X., et al.
Preclinical and clinical observations indicate that the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can modulate colonic inflammation. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been explored in depth. Here, we demonstrate that oral administration of live LGG alleviated inflammatory colitis by increasing IL-10 expression in intestinal Ly6C+ monocytes. Mechanistically, LGG induced IL-10 production via the stimulator of IFN genes (STING)/TBK1/NF-ĪŗB (RELA) signaling pathway in intestinal Ly6C+ monocytes, enhancing their immune-suppressive function. Elevated IL-10 subsequently activated IL-10 signaling in Ly6C+ monocytes, resulting in an IL-10-based autocrine regulatory loop and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production. Furthermore, LGG shifted the gut microbial community and its metabolic functions, leading to intestinal immune responses against colitis. Fecal microbiota transplantation from LGG-colonized mice alleviated immune checkpoint blockade-associated colitis. Our findings highlight the importance of STING signaling in IL-10-dependent antiinflammatory immunity and establish an empirical basis for developing oral administration of live LGG as an efficient and safe therapeutic strategy against inflammatory colitis.
- Cancer Research
CDK8 remodels the tumor microenvironment to resist the therapeutic efficacy of targeted KRASG12Dinhibition in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Preprint on BioRxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology on 2 February 2025 by McAndrews, K. M., Mahadevan, K. K., et al.
Mutations in KRAS are a dominant driver of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with over 40% of PDAC patients presenting with KRAS G12D mutations. The recent development of small molecule inhibitors targeting KRAS G12D has enabled targeting of mutant KRAS signaling and suppression of PDAC; however, the contribution of the tumor microenvironment (TME) to the sustained therapeutic efficacy of KRAS G12D inhibition and mechanism/s of resistance to KRAS G12D suppression remain to be elucidated. Here, we employed spatial transcriptomics, single cell RNA sequencing, and CODEX-based spatial proteomics to evaluate cancer cell intrinsic and extrinsic responses to KRAS G12D inhibition with MRTX1133. While KRAS G12D inhibition initially increases CD11c + cells with impactful T cell infiltration within proximity to cancer cells, long-term treatment with MRTX1133 resulted in reversal of the immune responses leading to KRAS G12D therapy resistance promoted by CDK8, a multiprotein mediator complex associated kinase. CDK8 imparts resistance in part through induction of downstream CXCL2 chemokine secretion, inhibition of FAS expression, and remodeling of the TME to promote immune evasion. Targeting CDK8 by itself and in combination with Ī±CTLA-4 immunotherapy overcomes resistance to KRAS G12D inhibition with prolonged survival with translational implications.
- Cancer Research,
- Immunology and Microbiology
Developing an Effective Therapeutic HPV Vaccine to Eradicate Large Tumors by Genetically Fusing Xcl1 and Incorporating IL-9 as Molecular Adjuvants.
In Vaccines on 9 January 2025 by Sun, Z., Wu, Z., et al.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent infection affecting both men and women, leading to various cytological lesions. Therapeutic vaccines mount a HPV-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte response, thus clearing HPV-infected cells. However, no therapeutic vaccines targeting HPV are currently approved for clinical treatment due to limited efficacy. Our goal is to develop a vaccine that can effectively eliminate tumors caused by HPV. We genetically fused the chemokine XCL1 with the E6 and E7 proteins of HPV16 to target cDC1 and enhance the vaccine-induced cytotoxic T cell response, ultimately developing a DNA vaccine. Additionally, we screened various interleukins and identified IL-9 as an effective molecular adjuvant for our DNA vaccine. The fusion of Xcl1 significantly improved the quantity and quality of the specific CD8+ T cells. The fusion of Xcl1 also increased immune cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment. The inclusion of IL-9 significantly elevated the vaccine-induced specific T cell response and enhanced anti-tumor efficacy. IL-9 promotes the formation of central memory T cells. the fusion of Xcl1 and the use of IL-9 as a molecular adjuvant represent promising strategies for vaccine development.
- Mus musculus (House mouse),
- Immunology and Microbiology
Targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome abrogates cardiotoxicity of immune checkpoint blockers.
In Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer on 7 January 2025 by Lu, Y., Gao, J., et al.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of many malignant tumors. However, ICI-induced hyper-immune activation causes cardiotoxicity. Traditional treatments such as glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants have limited effectiveness and may even accelerate tumor growth. This study aimed to identify approaches that effectively reduce cardiotoxicity and simultaneously preserve or enhance the antitumor immunity of ICI therapy. ICI injection in melanoma-bearing C57BL/6J female mice was used to simulate cardiotoxicity in patients with tumor undergoing immune therapy. MCC950 was used to block nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activity. Echocardiography, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to assess cardiac function, immune cell populations, and inflammatory factor levels. Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing was used to detect the changes in cardiac transcriptome and immunological network. NLRP3 inhibition reduced inflammatory response and improved cardiac function. Notably, NLRP3 inhibition also resulted in a pronounced suppression of tumor growth. Single-cell RNA sequencing elucidated that MCC950 treatment reduced the cardiac infiltration of pathogenic macrophages, cytotoxic T cells, activated T cells, and their production of inflammatory cytokines, while enhancing the presence of reparative macrophages and naive T cells. In addition, MCC950 attenuated cardiotoxicity induced by dual programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) immunotherapy and promoted tumor regression, and showed efficacy in treating established cardiotoxicity. Our findings provide a promising clinical approach for preventing and treating cardiotoxicity induced by ICIs, dissociating the antitumor efficacy of ICI-based therapies from their cardiotoxic side effects. Ā© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.
- Immunology and Microbiology,
- Veterinary Research
Virus replication is not required for oncolytic bovine herpesvirus-1 immunotherapy.
In Molecular Therapy. Oncology on 19 December 2024 by Baracuhy, E. M., Cormier, O., et al.
Oncolytic viruses are a promising approach for cancer treatment where viruses selectively target and kill cancer cells while also stimulating an immune response. Among viruses with this ability, bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) has several advantages, including observations suggesting it may not require viral replication for its anti-cancer effects. We previously demonstrated that binding and penetration of enveloped virus particles are sufficient to trigger intrinsic and innate immune signaling in normal cells, while other groups have published the efficacy of non-replicating viruses as viable immunotherapies in different cancer models. In this work, we definitively show that live and UV-inactivated (UV) (non-replicating) BoHV-1-based regimens extend survival of tumor-bearing mice to similar degrees and induce infiltration of similar immune cell populations, with the exception of neutrophils. Transcriptomic analysis of tumors treated with either live or UV BoHV-1-based regimens revealed similar pathway enrichment and a subset of overlapping differentially regulated genes, suggesting live and UV BoHV-1 have similar mechanisms of activity. Last, we present a gene signature across our inĀ vitro and inĀ vivo models that could potentially be used to validate new BoHV-1 therapeutics. This work contributes to the growing body of literature showing that replication may not be necessary for therapeutic efficacy of viral immunotherapies. Ā© 2024 The Author(s).
- In Vivo,
- Mus musculus (House mouse),
- Cancer Research
Decoy-resistant IL-18 reshapes the tumor microenvironment and enhances rejection by anti-CTLA-4 in renal cell carcinoma.
In JCI Insight on 19 November 2024 by Schoenfeld, D. A., Djureinovic, D., et al.
The cytokine IL-18 has immunostimulatory effects but is negatively regulated by a secreted binding protein, IL-18BP, that limits IL-18's anticancer efficacy. A decoy-resistant form of IL-18 (DR-18) that avoids sequestration by IL-18BP while maintaining its immunostimulatory potential has recently been developed. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of DR-18 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Using pantumor transcriptomic data, we found that clear cell RCC had among the highest expression of IL-18 receptor subunits and IL18BP of tumor types in the database. In samples from patients with RCC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, IL-18BP protein expression increased in the tumor microenvironment and in circulation within plasma in nonresponding patients, and it decreased in the majority of responding patients. We used immunocompetent RCC murine models to assess the efficacy of DR-18 in combination with single- and dual-agent anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4. In contrast to preclinical models of other tumor types, in RCC models, DR-18 enhanced the activity of anti-CTLA-4 but not anti-PD-1 treatment. This activity correlated with intratumoral enrichment and clonal expansion of effector CD8+ T cells, decreased Treg levels, and enrichment of proinflammatory antitumor myeloid cell populations. Our findings support further clinical investigation of the combination of DR-18 and anti-CTLA-4 in RCC.
- Mus musculus (House mouse),
- Biochemistry and Molecular biology,
- Cancer Research
CDK12 loss drives prostate cancer progression, transcription-replication conflicts, and synthetic lethality with paralog CDK13.
In Cell Reports Medicine on 15 October 2024 by Tien, J. C., Luo, J., et al.
Biallelic loss of cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) defines a metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) subtype. It remains unclear, however, whether CDK12 loss drives prostate cancer (PCa) development or uncovers pharmacologic vulnerabilities. Here, we show Cdk12 ablation in murine prostate epithelium is sufficient to induce preneoplastic lesions with lymphocytic infiltration. In allograft-based CRISPR screening, Cdk12 loss associates positively with Trp53 inactivation but negatively with Pten inactivation. Moreover, concurrent Cdk12/Trp53 ablation promotes proliferation of prostate-derived organoids, while Cdk12 knockout in Pten-null mice abrogates prostate tumor growth. In syngeneic systems, Cdk12/Trp53-null allografts exhibit luminal morphology and immune checkpoint blockade sensitivity. Mechanistically, Cdk12 inactivation mediates genomic instability by inducing transcription-replication conflicts. Strikingly, CDK12-mutant organoids and patient-derived xenografts are sensitive to inhibition or degradation of the paralog kinase, CDK13. We therein establish CDK12 as a bona fide tumor suppressor, mechanistically define how CDK12 inactivation causes genomic instability, and advance a therapeutic strategy for CDK12-mutant mCRPC. Copyright Ā© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
- Cancer Research,
- Immunology and Microbiology
Targeting the Dendritic Cell-Secreted Immunoregulatory Cytokine CCL22 Alleviates Radioresistance.
In Clinical Cancer Research on 1 October 2024 by Bugno, J., Wang, L., et al.
Radiation-mediated immune suppression limits efficacy and is a barrier in cancer therapy. Radiation induces negative regulators of tumor immunity including regulatory T cells (Treg). Mechanisms underlying Treg infiltration after radiotherapy (RT) are poorly defined. Given that conventional dendritic cells (cDC) maintain Treg, we sought to identify and target cDC signaling to block Treg infiltration after radiation. Transcriptomics and high dimensional flow cytometry revealed changes in murine tumor cDC that not only mediate Treg infiltration after RT but also associate with worse survival in human cancer datasets. Antibodies perturbing a cDC-CCL22-Treg axis were tested in syngeneic murine tumors. A prototype interferon-anti-epidermal growth factor receptor fusion protein (Ī±EGFR-IFNĪ±) was examined to block Treg infiltration and promote a CD8+ T cell response after RT. Radiation expands a population of mature cDC1 enriched in immunoregulatory markers that mediates Treg infiltration via the Treg-recruiting chemokine CCL22. Blocking CCL22 or Treg depletion both enhanced RT efficacy. Ī±EGFR-IFNĪ± blocked cDC1 CCL22 production while simultaneously inducing an antitumor CD8+ T cell response to enhance RT efficacy in multiple EGFR-expressing murine tumor models, including following systemic administration. We identify a previously unappreciated cDC mechanism mediating Treg tumor infiltration after RT. Our findings suggest blocking the cDC1-CCL22-Treg axis augments RT efficacy. Ī±EGFR-IFNĪ± added to RT provided robust antitumor responses better than systemic free interferon administration and may overcome clinical limitations to interferon therapy. Our findings highlight the complex behavior of cDC after RT and provide novel therapeutic strategies for overcoming RT-driven immunosuppression to improve RT efficacy. See related commentary by Kalinski et al., p. 4260. Ā©2024 American Association for Cancer Research.
- Mus musculus (House mouse),
- Cancer Research,
- Immunology and Microbiology
The type 2 cytokine Fc-IL-4 revitalizes exhausted CD8+ T cells against cancer.
In Nature on 1 October 2024 by Feng, B., Bai, Z., et al.
Current cancer immunotherapy predominately focuses on eliciting type 1 immune responses fighting cancer; however, long-term complete remission remains uncommon1,2. A pivotal question arises as toĀ whether type 2 immunity can be orchestrated alongside type 1-centric immunotherapy to achieve enduring response against cancer3,4. Here we show that an interleukin-4 fusion protein (Fc-IL-4), a typical type 2 cytokine, directly acts on CD8+ T cells and enriches functional terminally exhausted CD8+ T (CD8+ TTE) cells in the tumour. Consequently, Fc-IL-4 enhances antitumour efficacy of type 1 immunity-centric adoptive T cell transfer or immune checkpoint blockade therapies and induces durable remission across several syngeneic and xenograft tumour models. Mechanistically, we discovered that Fc-IL-4 signals through both signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)Ā pathways, augmenting the glycolytic metabolism and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) concentration of CD8+ TTE cells in a lactate dehydrogenase A-dependent manner. The metabolic modulation mediated by Fc-IL-4 is indispensable for reinvigorating intratumoural CD8+ TTE cells. These findings underscore Fc-IL-4 as a potent type 2 cytokine-based immunotherapy that synergizes effectively with type 1 immunity to elicit long-lasting responses against cancer. Our study not only sheds light on the synergy between these two types of immune responses, but also unveils an innovative strategy for advancing next-generation cancer immunotherapy by integrating type 2 immune factors. Ā© 2024. The Author(s).
- Mus musculus (House mouse),
- Immunology and Microbiology
An injectable subcutaneous colon-specific immune niche for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
In Nature Biomedical Engineering on 1 October 2024 by Au, K. M., Wilson, J. E., et al.
As a chronic autoinflammatory condition, ulcerative colitis is often managed via systemic immunosuppressants. Here we show, in three mouse models of established ulcerative colitis, that a subcutaneously injected colon-specific immunosuppressive niche consisting of colon epithelial cells, decellularized colon extracellular matrix and nanofibres functionalized with programmed death-ligand 1, CD86, a peptide mimic of transforming growth factor-beta 1, and the immunosuppressive small-molecule leflunomide, induced intestinal immunotolerance and reduced inflammation in the animals' lower gastrointestinal tract. The bioengineered colon-specific niche triggered autoreactive T cell anergy and polarized pro-inflammatory macrophages via multiple immunosuppressive pathways, and prevented the infiltration of immune cells into the colon's lamina propria, promoting the recovery of epithelial damage. The bioengineered niche also prevented colitis-associated colorectal cancer and eliminated immune-related colitis triggered by kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade. Ā© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.
- Mus musculus (House mouse),
- Cancer Research,
- Immunology and Microbiology
Combining RAS(ON) G12C-selective inhibitor with SHP2 inhibition sensitises lung tumours to immune checkpoint blockade.
In Nature Communications on 25 September 2024 by Anastasiou, P., Moore, C., et al.
Mutant selective drugs targeting the inactive, GDP-bound form of KRASG12C have been approved for use in lung cancer, but resistance develops rapidly. Here we use an inhibitor, (RMC-4998) that targets RASG12C in its active, GTP-bound form, to treat KRAS mutant lung cancer in various immune competent mouse models. RAS pathway reactivation after RMC-4998 treatment could be delayed using combined treatment with a SHP2 inhibitor, which not only impacts tumour cell RAS signalling but also remodels the tumour microenvironment to be less immunosuppressive. In an immune inflamed model, RAS and SHP2 inhibitors in combination drive durable responses by suppressing tumour relapse and inducing development of immune memory. In an immune excluded model, combined RAS and SHP2 inhibition sensitises tumours to immune checkpoint blockade, leading to efficient tumour immune rejection. These preclinical results demonstrate the potential of the combination of RAS(ON) G12C-selective inhibitors with SHP2 inhibitors to sensitize tumours to immune checkpoint blockade. Ā© 2024. The Author(s).
- Mus musculus (House mouse),
- Cancer Research,
- Cardiovascular biology
Overall survival prediction of gastric cancer using the gene signature of CT-detected extramural venous invasion combined with M2 macrophages infiltration.
In Journal of Translational Medicine on 9 September 2024 by Yang, H., Gou, X., et al.
CT-detected Extramural venous invasion (EMVI) is known as an independent risk factor for distant metastasis in patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC). However, the molecular basis is not clear. In colorectal cancer, M2 macrophages plays a vital role in determining EMVI. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between CT-detected EMVI and the M2 macrophages as well as prognosis predictionusing a radiogenomic approach. We utilized EMVI-related genes (from mRNA sequencing of 13 GC samples correlated with EMVI score by spearman analysis, Pā<ā0.01) to overlap the co-expression genes of WGCNA module and M2 macrophages related genes (from mRNA data of 371 GC patients in TCGA database), generating a total of 136 genes. An EMVI-M2-prognosis-related hub gene signature was constructed by COX and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis from a training cohort TCGA database (nā=ā371) and validated it in a validation cohort from GEO database (nā=ā357). High- and low-risk groups were divided by hub gene (EGFLAM and GNG11) signature-derived risk scores. We assessed its predictive ability through Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve and COX analysis. Furthermore, we utilized ESTIMATE to detect tumor mutation burden (TMB) and evaluate sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Expression of hub genes was tested using western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. The overall survival (OS) was significantly reduced in the high-risk group (Training/Validation: AUCā=ā0.701/0.620; Pā<ā0.001/0.003). Furthermore, the risk score was identified as an independent predictor of OS in multivariate COX regression analyses (Training/Validation: HRā=ā1.909/1.928; 95% CI: 1.225-2.974/1.308-2.844). The low-risk group exhibited significantly higher TMB levels (Pā=ā1.6e-ā07) and greater sensitivity to ICIs. Significant higher expression of hub-genes was identified on multiple GC cell lines and original samples. Hub-genes knockdown in gastric cancer cell lines inhibited their proliferation, metastatic and invasive capacity to varying degrees. In vivo experiments indicate that EGFLAM, as one of the hub genes, its high expression can serve as a biomarker for low response to immunotherapy. Our study demonstrated EMVI-M2 gene signature could effectively predict the prognosis of GC tissue, reflecting the relationship between EMVI and M2 macrophages. Ā© 2024. The Author(s).
