1
|
Peng H, Li L, Zuo C, Chen MY, Zhang X, Myers NB, Hogg GD, DeNardo DG, Goedegebuure SP, Hawkins WG, Gillanders WE. Combination TIGIT/PD-1 blockade enhances the efficacy of neoantigen vaccines in a model of pancreatic cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1039226. [PMID: 36569934 PMCID: PMC9772034 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1039226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer neoantigens are important targets of cancer immunotherapy and neoantigen vaccines are currently in development in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and other cancer types. Immune regulatory mechanisms in pancreatic cancer may limit the efficacy of neoantigen vaccines. Targeting immune checkpoint signaling pathways in PDAC may improve the efficacy of neoantigen vaccines. Methods We used KPC4580P, an established model of PDAC, to test whether neoantigen vaccines can generate therapeutic efficacy against PDAC. We focused on two immunogenic neoantigens associated with genetic alterations in the CAR12 and CDK12 genes. We tested a neoantigen vaccine comprised of two 20-mer synthetic long peptides and poly IC, a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist. We investigated the ability of neoantigen vaccine alone, or in combination with PD-1 and TIGIT signaling blockade to impact tumor growth. We also assessed the impact of TIGIT signaling on T cell responses in human PDAC. Results Neoantigen vaccines induce neoantigen-specific T cell responses in tumor-bearing mice and slow KPC4580P tumor growth. However, KPC4580P tumors express high levels of PD-L1 and the TIGIT ligand, CD155. A subset of neoantigen-specific T cells in KPC4580P tumors are dysfunctional, and express high levels of TIGIT. PD-1 and TIGIT signaling blockade in vivo reverses T cell dysfunction and enhances neoantigen vaccine-induced T cell responses and tumor regression. In human translational studies, TIGIT signaling blockade in vitro enhances neoantigen-specific T cell function following vaccination. Conclusions Taken together, preclinical and human translational studies support testing neoantigen vaccines in combination with therapies targeting the PD-1 and TIGIT signaling pathways in patients with PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Peng
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Lijin Li
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Chong Zuo
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Michael Y. Chen
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Nancy B. Myers
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Graham D. Hogg
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - David G. DeNardo
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States,The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - S. Peter Goedegebuure
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States,The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - William G. Hawkins
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States,The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States,*Correspondence: William G. Hawkins, ; William E. Gillanders,
| | - William E. Gillanders
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States,The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States,*Correspondence: William G. Hawkins, ; William E. Gillanders,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kabwe M, Dashper S, Tucci J. The Microbiome in Pancreatic Cancer-Implications for Diagnosis and Precision Bacteriophage Therapy for This Low Survival Disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:871293. [PMID: 35663462 PMCID: PMC9160434 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.871293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While the mortality rates for many cancers have decreased due to improved detection and treatments, that of pancreatic cancer remains stubbornly high. The microbiome is an important factor in the progression of many cancers. Greater understanding of the microbiome in pancreatic cancer patients, as well as its manipulation, may assist in diagnosis and treatment of this disease. In this report we reviewed studies that compared microbiome changes in pancreatic cancer patients and non-cancer patients. We then identified which bacterial genera were most increased in relative abundance across the oral, pancreatic, duodenal, and faecal tissue microbiomes. In light of these findings, we discuss the potential for utilising these bacteria as diagnostic biomarkers, as well as their potential control using precision targeting with bacteriophages, in instances where a causal oncogenic link is made.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mwila Kabwe
- Department of Rural Clinical Sciences, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart Dashper
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph Tucci
- Department of Rural Clinical Sciences, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer as Analytic Targets for Nanomediated Imaging and Therapy. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14113083. [PMID: 34199998 PMCID: PMC8200189 DOI: 10.3390/ma14113083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As the increase in therapeutic and imaging technologies is swiftly improving survival chances for cancer patients, pancreatic cancer (PC) still has a grim prognosis and a rising incidence. Practically everything distinguishing for this type of malignancy makes it challenging to treat: no approved method for early detection, extended asymptomatic state, limited treatment options, poor chemotherapy response and dense tumor stroma that impedes drug delivery. We provide a narrative review of our main findings in the field of nanoparticle directed treatment for PC, with a focus on biomarker targeted delivery. By reducing drug toxicity, increasing their tumor accumulation, ability to modulate tumor microenvironment and even improve imaging contrast, it seems that nanotechnology may one day give hope for better outcome in pancreatic cancer. Further conjugating nanoparticles with biomarkers that are overexpressed amplifies the benefits mentioned, with potential increase in survival and treatment response.
Collapse
|