Reduction of CD11b+ myeloid suppressive cells augments anti-neuroblastoma immune response induced by the anti-GD2 antibody ch14.18/CHO

• Published in: Oncoimmunology Vol. 9; no. 1; p. 1836768
• Main Authors: Siebert, Nikolai, Zumpe, Maxi, von Lojewski, Leon, Troschke-Meurer, Sascha, Marx, Madlen, Lode, Holger N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01.01.2020; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: 5-FU; CD11b; ch14.18/CHO; immunotherapy; neuroblastoma; Original Research; suppressive myeloid cells
• ISSN: 2162-4011; 2162-402X
• DOI: 10.1080/2162402X.2020.1836768

Neuroblastoma (NB) still remains a major challenge in pediatric oncology. We recently showed CD11b + -dependent upregulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint on NB cells treated with the chimeric anti-GD 2 antibody (Ab) ch14.18/CHO. Here, we report effects of reduction of CD11b + myeloid suppressive cells on ch14.18/CHO immunotherapy against NB. Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were used to assess tumor infiltrating leukocytes and expression of myeloid suppressive cell-associated genes. XTT assay was used to show impact of 5-FU on tumor and effector cells. Antitumor effects of the combined treatment with ch14.18/CHO and reduction of myeloid suppressive cells were evaluated in a syngeneic NB mouse model. Tumor tissue of untreated mice showed a strong infiltration by CD11b + cells (53% of all tumor infiltrating leukocytes). RT-PCR analysis of tumors revealed strong expression of the myeloid suppressive cell-associated genes analyzed with the strongest induction of M-CSFr, CCL2, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6 r, IL-8, Arg1, and NOS2. Compared to controls, application of anti-CD11b Ab resulted in reduction of both CD11b + cells in tumors and expression of myeloid suppressive cell-associated genes as well as delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival. These effects could be further improved by 5-FU. Importantly, the combinatorial immunotherapy with ch14.18/CHO and 5-FU showed the strongest antitumor effects and superior survival rates. In conclusion, reduction of immune suppressive myeloid cells augments anti-NB efficacy of a ch14.18/CHO-based immunotherapy representing a new effective treatment strategy against GD 2 -positive cancers.