IL-20 antagonist suppresses PD-L1 expression and prolongs survival in pancreatic cancer models

Nat Commun. 2020 Sep 14;11(1):4611. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-18244-8.

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and cancer-associated cachexia (CAC) are multifactorial and characterized by dysregulated inflammatory networks. Whether the proinflammatory cytokine IL-20 is involved in the complex networks of PDAC and CAC remains unclear. Here, we report that elevated IL-20 levels in tumor tissue correlate with poor overall survival in 72 patients with PDAC. In vivo, we establish a transgenic mouse model (KPC) and an orthotopic PDAC model and examine the therapeutic efficacy of an anti-IL-20 monoclonal antibody (7E). Targeting IL-20 not only prolongs survival and attenuates PD-L1 expression in both murine models but also inhibits tumor growth and mitigates M2-like polarization in the orthotopic PDAC model. Combination treatment with 7E and an anti-PD-1 antibody shows better efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth than either treatment alone in the orthotopic PDAC model. Finally, 7E mitigates cachexic symptoms in CAC models. Together, we conclude IL-20 is a critical mediator in PDAC progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • B7-H1 Antigen / metabolism*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cachexia
  • Carcinoma, Lewis Lung / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Interleukins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Interleukins / metabolism
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Models, Biological*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • Interleukins
  • Triglycerides
  • interleukin 20