Targeting Treg cells with GITR activation alleviates resistance to immunotherapy in murine glioblastomas

Nat Commun. 2021 May 11;12(1):2582. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22885-8.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) have failed in all phase III glioblastoma (GBM) trials. Here, we show that regulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in GBM resistance to ICBs in experimental gliomas. Targeting glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related receptor (GITR) in Treg cells using an agonistic antibody (αGITR) promotes CD4 Treg cell differentiation into CD4 effector T cells, alleviates Treg cell-mediated suppression of anti-tumor immune response, and induces potent anti-tumor effector cells in GBM. The reprogrammed GBM-infiltrating Treg cells express genes associated with a Th1 response signature, produce IFNγ, and acquire cytotoxic activity against GBM tumor cells while losing their suppressive function. αGITR and αPD1 antibodies increase survival benefit in three experimental GBM models, with a fraction of cohorts exhibiting complete tumor eradication and immune memory upon tumor re-challenge. Moreover, αGITR and αPD1 synergize with the standard of care treatment for newly-diagnosed GBM, enhancing the cure rates in these GBM models.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Cell Line, Tumor / transplantation
  • Cellular Reprogramming / drug effects
  • Cellular Reprogramming / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy*
  • Glioblastoma / immunology
  • Glucocorticoid-Induced TNFR-Related Protein / agonists*
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Immunologic Memory / drug effects
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism

Substances

  • Glucocorticoid-Induced TNFR-Related Protein
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Pdcd1 protein, mouse
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • Tnfrsf18 protein, mouse