Targeting the mTOR pathway uncouples the efficacy and toxicity of PD-1 blockade in renal transplantation

Nat Commun. 2019 Oct 17;10(1):4712. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-12628-1.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) use remains a challenge in patients with solid organ allografts as most would undergo rejection. In a melanoma patient in whom programmed-death 1 (PD-1) blockade resulted in organ rejection and colitis, the addition of the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus resulted in ongoing anti-tumor efficacy while promoting allograft tolerance. Strong granzyme B+, interferon (IFN)-γ+ CD8+ cytotoxic T cell and circulating regulatory T (Treg) cell responses were noted during allograft rejection, along with significant eosinophilia and elevated serum IL-5 and eotaxin levels. Co-treatment with sirolimus abated cytotoxic T cell numbers and eosinophilia, while elevated Treg cell numbers in the peripheral blood were maintained. Interestingly, numbers of IFN-γ+ CD4+ T cells and serum IFN-γ levels increased with the addition of sirolimus treatment likely promoting ongoing anti-PD-1 efficacy. Thus, our results indicate that sirolimus has the potential to uncouple anti-PD-1 therapy toxicity and efficacy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / immunology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy
  • Kidney Transplantation / methods*
  • Melanoma / immunology
  • Melanoma / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Transplantation Tolerance / drug effects
  • Transplantation Tolerance / immunology

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • PDCD1 protein, human
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • MTOR protein, human
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Sirolimus

Grants and funding