Overcoming primary and acquired resistance to anti-PD-L1 therapy by induction and activation of tumor-residing cDC1s

Nat Commun. 2020 Oct 27;11(1):5415. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-19192-z.

Abstract

The ability of cancer cells to ensure T-cell exclusion from the tumor microenvironment is a significant mechanism of resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Evidence indicates crucial roles of Batf3-dependent conventional type-1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) for inducing antitumor T-cell immunity; however, strategies to maximize cDC1 engagement remain elusive. Here, using multiple orthotopic tumor mouse models resistant to anti-PD-L1-therapy, we are testing the hypothesis that in situ induction and activation of tumor-residing cDC1s overcomes poor T-cell infiltration. In situ immunomodulation with Flt3L, radiotherapy, and TLR3/CD40 stimulation induces an influx of stem-like Tcf1+ Slamf6+ CD8+ T cells, triggers regression not only of primary, but also untreated distant tumors, and renders tumors responsive to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Furthermore, serial in situ immunomodulation (ISIM) reshapes repertoires of intratumoral T cells, overcomes acquired resistance to anti-PD-L1 therapy, and establishes tumor-specific immunological memory. These findings provide new insights into cDC1 biology as a critical determinant to overcome mechanisms of intratumoral T-cell exclusion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / administration & dosage*
  • B7-H1 Antigen / genetics
  • B7-H1 Antigen / immunology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Drug Resistance
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / genetics
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / immunology
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • Cd274 protein, mouse
  • Pdcd1 protein, mouse
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor