Reduction of CD11b+ myeloid suppressive cells augments anti-neuroblastoma immune response induced by the anti-GD2 antibody ch14.18/CHO.
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-GD2 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 GD2-positive cancers.
['Siebert|Nikolai|N|', 'Zumpe|Maxi|M|', 'von Lojewski|Leon|L|', 'Troschke-Meurer|Sascha|S|', 'Marx|Madlen|M|', 'Lode|Holger N|HN|']
D000818:Animals D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal D005732:Gangliosides D007109:Immunity D051379:Mice D022423:Myeloid Cells D009447:Neuroblastoma
ch14.18/CHO neuroblastoma immunotherapy 5-FU suppressive myeloid cells CD11b