TLR Agonist Therapy of Metastatic Breast Cancer in Mice

J Immunother. 2023 Jun 1;46(5):170-177. doi: 10.1097/CJI.0000000000000467. Epub 2023 Apr 28.

Abstract

Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 and 9 agonists stimulate an innate immune response that supports the development of tumor-specific immunity. Previous studies showed that either agonist individually could cure mice of small tumors and that when used in combination, they could prevent the progression of larger tumors (>300 mm 3 ). To examine whether these agents combined could control metastatic disease, syngeneic mice were challenged with the highly aggressive 66cl4 triple-negative breast tumor cell line. Treatment was not initiated until pulmonary metastases were established, as verified by bioluminescent imaging of luciferase-tagged tumor cells. Results show that combined therapy with TLR7/8 and TLR9 agonists delivered to both primary and metastatic tumor sites significantly reduced tumor burden and extended survival. The inclusion of cyclophosphamide and anti-PD-L1 resulted in optimal tumor control, characterized by a 5-fold increase in the average duration of survival.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Immunotherapy
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Mice
  • Toll-Like Receptor 9* / agonists

Substances

  • Toll-Like Receptor 9
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic