Chemo-immunotherapy improves long-term survival in a preclinical model of MMR-D-related cancer.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Mismatch Repair Deficiency (MMR-D)-related tumors are highly immunogenic and constitute ideal vaccination targets. In a proof-of-concept study delayed tumorigenesis and prolonged survival has been shown in a clinically-relevant mouse model for MMR-D-related diseases (=MLH1 knock out mice). To refine this approach, vaccination was combined with immune modulatory low-dose chemotherapy to polarize immune regulatory subtypes. METHODS:Mice (prophylactic: 8-10?weeks; therapeutic: >?36?weeks) received a single injection of cyclophosphamide (CPX, 120?mg/kg bw, i.p.) or gemcitabine (GEM, 100?mg/kg bw, i.p.) prior to vaccination (lysate of a gastrointestinal tumor allograft, 10?mg/kg bw, n?=?9 mice/group). The vaccine was given repetitively (10?mg/kg bw, s.c., 4 x / once a week, followed by monthly boosts) until tumor formation or progression. Tumor growth ([18F] FDG PET/CT imaging) and immune responses were monitored (flow cytometry, IFN? ELISpot). The microenvironment was analyzed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS:Prophylactic application of GEM + lysate delayed tumorigenesis compared to lysate monotherapy and CPX-pre-treatment (median time of onset: 53 vs. 47 vs. 48?weeks). 33% of mice even remained tumor-free until the experimental endpoint (= 65?weeks). This was accompanied by long-term effect on cytokine plasma levels; splenic myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) as well as regulatory T cell numbers. Assessment of tumor microenvironment from GEM + lysate treated mice revealed low numbers of MDSCs, but enhanced T cell infiltration, in some cases co-expressing PD-L1. Therapeutic chemo-immunotherapy (GEM + lysate) had minor impact on overall survival (median time: 12 (GEM + lysate) vs. 11.5 (lysate) vs. 3?weeks (control)), but induced complete remission in one case. Dendritic and T cell infiltrates increased in both treatment groups. Reactive T cells specifically recognized MLH1-/- tumor cells in IFN? ELISpot, but lacked response towards NK cell targets YAC-1. CONCLUSIONS:Combined chemo-immunotherapy impairs tumor onset and growth likely attributable to modulation of immune responses. Depleting or 're-educating' immunosuppressive cell types, such as MDSC, may help moving a step closer to combat cancer.
SUBMITTER: Maletzki C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6329128 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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