Small-molecule PIK-93 modulates the tumor microenvironment to improve immune checkpoint blockade response

Sci Adv. 2023 Apr 7;9(14):eade9944. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.ade9944. Epub 2023 Apr 7.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-L1 immunotherapy are state-of-the-art treatments for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the treatment response of certain patients with NSCLC is unsatisfactory because of an unfavorable tumor microenvironment (TME) and poor permeability of antibody-based ICIs. In this study, we aimed to discover small-molecule drugs that can modulate the TME to enhance ICI treatment efficacy in NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. We identified a PD-L1 protein-modulating small molecule, PIK-93, using a cell-based global protein stability (GPS) screening system. PIK-93 mediated PD-L1 ubiquitination by enhancing the PD-L1-Cullin-4A interaction. PIK-93 reduced PD-L1 levels on M1 macrophages and enhanced M1 antitumor cytotoxicity. Combined PIK-93 and anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment enhanced T cell activation, inhibited tumor growth, and increased tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) recruitment in syngeneic and human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) line-derived xenograft mouse models. PIK-93 facilitates a treatment-favorable TME when combined with anti-PD-L1 antibodies, thereby enhancing PD-1/PD-L1 blockade cancer immunotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating
  • Mice
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors