EZH2 inhibition activates a dsRNA-STING-interferon stress axis that potentiates response to PD-1 checkpoint blockade in prostate cancer

Nat Cancer. 2021 Apr;2(4):444-456. doi: 10.1038/s43018-021-00185-w. Epub 2021 Mar 22.

Abstract

Prostate cancers are considered to be immunologically 'cold' tumors given the very few patients who respond to checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy. Recently, enrichment of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) predicted a favorable response to CPI across various disease sites. The enhancer of zeste homolog-2 (EZH2) is overexpressed in prostate cancer and known to negatively regulate ISGs. In the present study, we demonstrate that EZH2 inhibition in prostate cancer models activates a double-stranded RNA-STING-ISG stress response upregulating genes involved in antigen presentation, Th1 chemokine signaling and interferon response, including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-L1) that is dependent on STING activation. EZH2 inhibition substantially increased intratumoral trafficking of activated CD8+ T cells and increased M1 tumor-associated macrophages, overall reversing resistance to PD-1 CPI. Our study identifies EZH2 as a potent inhibitor of antitumor immunity and responsiveness to CPI. These data suggest EZH2 inhibition as a therapeutic direction to enhance prostate cancer response to PD-1 CPI.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein / genetics
  • Humans
  • Interferons / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • RNA, Double-Stranded

Substances

  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • Interferons
  • EZH2 protein, human
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein