Protein kinase C delta regulates mononuclear phagocytes and hinders response to immunotherapy in cancer

Sci Adv. 2023 Dec 22;9(51):eadd3231. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.add3231. Epub 2023 Dec 22.

Abstract

Mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) play a crucial role in tissue homeostasis; however, MPs also contribute to tumor progression and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Targeting MPs could be an effective strategy to enhance ICB efficacy. We report that protein kinase C delta (PKCδ), a serine/threonine kinase, is abundantly expressed by MPs in human and mouse tumors. PKCδ-/- mice displayed reduced tumor progression compared to wild types, with increased response to anti-PD-1. Tumors from PKCδ-/- mice demonstrated TH1-skewed immune response including increased antigen presentation and T cell activation. Depletion of MPs in vivo altered tumor growth in control but not PKCδ-/- mice. Coinjection of PKCδ-/- M2-like macrophages with cancer cells into wild-type mice markedly delayed tumor growth and significantly increased intratumoral T cell activation compared to PKCδ+/+ controls. PKCδ deficiency reprogrammed MPs by activating type I and type II interferon signaling. Thus, PKCδ might be targeted to reprogram MPs to augment ICB efficacy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Phagocytes
  • Protein Kinase C-delta* / genetics
  • Protein Kinase C-delta* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Protein Kinase C-delta