Targeting TNF-α to neoangiogenic vessels enhances lymphocyte infiltration in tumors and increases the therapeutic potential of immunotherapy.

Abnormal tumor vasculature impairs T lymphocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and lymphocyte extravasation into neoplastic tissues, limiting the therapeutic potential of both active and adoptive immunotherapies. We have found that treatment of tumor-bearing mice with NGR-TNF, a Cys-Asn-Gly-Arg-Cys peptide-TNF fusion product capable of altering the endothelial barrier function and improving drug penetration in tumors, associated with the intratumor upregulation of leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion molecules, the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and the infiltration of tumor-specific effector CD8(+) T cells. As a result, NGR-TNF enhanced the therapeutic activity of adoptive and active immunotherapy, delaying tumor growth and prolonging survival. Furthermore, we have found that therapeutic effects of these combinations can be further increased by the addition of chemotherapy. Thus, these findings might be relevant for the design of novel immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer patients.

CD4+ T cells sustain aggressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Eµ-TCL1 mice through a CD40L-independent mechanism.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is caused by the progressive accumulation of mature CD5+ B cells in secondary lymphoid organs. In vitro data suggest that CD4+ T lymphocytes also sustain survival and proliferation of CLL clones through CD40L/CD40 interactions. In vivo data in animal models are conflicting. To clarify this clinically relevant biological issue, we generated genetically modified Eµ-TCL1 mice lacking CD4+ T cells (TCL1+/+AB0), CD40 (TCL1+/+CD40-/-), or CD8+ T cells (TCL1+/+TAP-/-), and we monitored the appearance and progression of a disease that mimics aggressive human CLL by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analyses. Findings were confirmed by adoptive transfer of leukemic cells into mice lacking CD4+ T cells or CD40L or mice treated with antibodies depleting CD4 T cells or blocking CD40L/CD40 interactions. CLL clones did not proliferate in mice lacking or depleted of CD4+ T cells, thus confirming that CD4+ T cells are essential for CLL development. By contrast, CD8+ T cells exerted an antitumor activity, as indicated by the accelerated disease progression in TCL1+/+TAP-/- mice. Antigen specificity of CD4+ T cells was marginal for CLL development, because CLL clones efficiently proliferated in transgenic mice whose CD4 T cells had a T-cell receptor with CLL-unrelated specificities. Leukemic clones also proliferated when transferred into wild-type mice treated with monoclonal antibodies blocking CD40 or into CD40L-/- mice, and TCL1+/+CD40-/- mice developed frank CLL. Our data demonstrate that CD8+ T cells restrain CLL progression, whereas CD4+ T cells support the growth of leukemic clones in TCL1 mice through CD40-independent and apparently noncognate mechanisms.

[18F](2S,4R)-4-Fluoroglutamine as a New Positron Emission Tomography Tracer in Myeloma.

The high glycolytic activity of multiple myeloma (MM) cells is the rationale for use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) to detect both bone marrow (BM) and extramedullary disease. However, new tracers are actively searched because [18F]FDG-PET has some limitations and there is a portion of MM patients who are negative. Glutamine (Gln) addiction has been recently described as a typical metabolic feature of MM cells. Yet, the possible exploitation of Gln as a PET tracer in MM has never been assessed so far and is investigated in this study in preclinical models. Firstly, we have synthesized enantiopure (2S,4R)-4-fluoroglutamine (4-FGln) and validated it as a Gln transport analogue in human MM cell lines, comparing its uptake with that of 3H-labelled Gln. We then radiosynthesized [18F]4-FGln, tested its uptake in two different in vivo murine MM models, and checked the effect of Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor currently used in the treatment of MM. Both [18F]4-FGln and [18F]FDG clearly identified the spleen as site of MM cell colonization in C57BL/6 mice, challenged with syngeneic Vk12598 cells and assessed by PET. NOD.SCID mice, subcutaneously injected with human MM JJN3 cells, showed high values of both [18F]4-FGln and [18F]FDG uptake. Bortezomib significantly reduced the uptake of both radiopharmaceuticals in comparison with vehicle at post treatment PET. However, a reduction of glutaminolytic, but not of glycolytic, tumor volume was evident in mice showing the highest response to Bortezomib. Our data indicate that [18F](2S,4R)-4-FGln is a new PET tracer in preclinical MM models, yielding a rationale to design studies in MM patients.

Commensal bacteria promote endocrine resistance in prostate cancer through androgen biosynthesis.

The microbiota comprises the microorganisms that live in close contact with the host, with mutual benefit for both counterparts. The contribution of the gut microbiota to the emergence of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has not yet been addressed. We found that androgen deprivation in mice and humans promotes the expansion of defined commensal microbiota that contributes to the onset of castration resistance in mice. Specifically, the intestinal microbial community in mice and patients with CRPC was enriched for species capable of converting androgen precursors into active androgens. Ablation of the gut microbiota by antibiotic therapy delayed the emergence of castration resistance even in immunodeficient mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from CRPC mice and patients rendered mice harboring prostate cancer resistant to castration. In contrast, tumor growth was controlled by FMT from hormone-sensitive prostate cancer patients and Prevotella stercorea administration. These results reveal that the commensal gut microbiota contributes to endocrine resistance in CRPC by providing an alternative source of androgens.

Much More Than IL-17A: Cytokines of the IL-17 Family Between Microbiota and Cancer.

The interleukin-(IL-)17 family of cytokines is composed of six members named IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17C, IL-17D, IL-17E, and IL-17F. IL-17A is the prototype of this family, and it was the first to be discovered and targeted in the clinic. IL-17A is essential for modulating the interplay between commensal microbes and epithelial cells at our borders (i.e., skin and mucosae), and yet, for protecting us from microbial invaders, thus preserving mucosal and skin integrity. Interactions between the microbiota and cells producing IL-17A have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of immune mediated inflammatory diseases and cancer. While interactions between microbiota and IL-17B-to-F have only partially been investigated, they are by no means less relevant. The cellular source of IL-17B-to-F, their main targets, and their function in homeostasis and disease distinguish IL-17B-to-F from IL-17A. Here, we intentionally overlook IL-17A, and we focus instead on the role of the other cytokines of the IL-17 family in the interplay between microbiota and epithelial cells that may contribute to cancer pathogenesis and immune surveillance. We also underscore differences and similarities between IL-17A and IL-17B-to-F in the microbiota-immunity-cancer axis, and we highlight therapeutic strategies that directly or indirectly target IL-17 cytokines in diseases.

Galectin-3 in Prostate Cancer Stem-Like Cells Is Immunosuppressive and Drives Early Metastasis.

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an extracellular matrix glycan-binding protein with several immunosuppressive and pro-tumor functions. The role of Galectin-3 in cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) is poorly investigated. Here, we show that prostate CSCs also colonizing prostate-draining lymph nodes of transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice overexpress Gal-3. Gal-3 contributes to prostate CSC-mediated immune suppression because either Gal-3 silencing in CSCs, or co-culture of CSCs and T cells in the presence of the Gal-3 inhibitor N-Acetyl-D-lactosamine rescued T cell proliferation. N-Acetyl-D-lactosamine also rescued the proliferation of T cells in prostate-draining lymph nodes of TRAMP mice affected by prostate intraepithelial neoplasia. Additionally, Gal-3 impacted prostate CSC tumorigenic and metastatic potential in vivo, as Gal-3 silencing in prostate CSCs reduced both primary tumor growth and secondary invasion. Gal-3 was also found expressed in more differentiated prostate cancer cells, but with different intracellular distribution as compared to CSCs, which suggests different functions of Gal-3 in the two cell populations. In fact, the prevalent nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution of Gal-3 in prostate CSCs made them less susceptible to apoptosis, when compared to more differentiated prostate cancer cells, in which Gal-3 was predominantly intra-cytoplasmic. Finally, we found Gal-3 expressed in human and mouse prostate intraepithelial neoplasia lesions and in metastatic lymph nodes. All together, these findings identify Gal-3 as a key molecule and a potential therapeutic target already in the early phases of prostate cancer progression and metastasis.

Modulators of arginine metabolism support cancer immunosurveillance.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-associated accrual of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the blood, lymphoid organs and tumor tissues may lead to perturbation of the arginine metabolism and impairment of the endogenous antitumor immunity. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether accumulation of MDSC occurred in Th2 prone BALB/c and Th1 biased C57BL/6 mice bearing the C26GM colon carcinoma and RMA T lymphoma, respectively, and to investigate whether N(G) nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and sildenafil, both modulators of the arginine metabolism, restored antitumor immunity. RESULTS: We report here that MDSC accumulate in the spleen and blood of mice irrespective of the mouse and tumor model used. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with either the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil or the nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME significantly restrained tumor growth and expanded the tumor-specific immune response. CONCLUSION: Our data emphasize the role of MDSC in modulating the endogenous tumor-specific immune response and underline the anti-neoplastic therapeutic potential of arginine metabolism modulators.

Targeting Tumor Vasculature with TNF Leads Effector T Cells to the Tumor and Enhances Therapeutic Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Blockers in Combination with Adoptive Cell Therapy.

Purpose: Irregular blood flow and endothelial cell anergy, which characterize many solid tumors, hinder tumor infiltration by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). This confers resistance to cancer immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies directed against regulatory pathways in T lymphocytes (i.e., immune checkpoint blockade, ICB). We investigated whether NGR-TNF, a TNF derivative capable of targeting the tumor vasculature, and improving intratumor infiltration by activated CTLs, could sensitize tumors to ICB with antibodies specific for the PD-1 and CTLA-4 receptors.Experimental Design: Transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice with autochthonous prostate cancer and C57BL/6 mice with orthotopic B16 melanoma were treated with NGR-TNF, adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT), and ICB, and monitored for immune surveillance and disease progression.Results: The combination of ACT, NGR-TNF, and ICB was the most effective in delaying disease progression, and in improving overall survival of mice bearing ICB-resistant prostate cancer or melanoma. Mechanistically, the therapeutic effects were associated with potent tumor infiltration, especially by endogenous but also by adoptively transferred PD-1+, granzyme B+, and interferon-γ+ CTLs. The therapeutic effects were also associated with favorable T-effector/regulatory T cell ratios.Conclusions: Targeting the tumor vasculature with low-dose TNF in association with ACT may represent a novel strategy for enhancing T-cell infiltration in tumors and overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint blockers. Clin Cancer Res; 24(9); 2171-81. ©2018 AACR.

Bimodal CD40/Fas-Dependent Crosstalk between iNKT Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages Impairs Prostate Cancer Progression.

Heterotypic cellular and molecular interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) control cancer progression. Here, we show that CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer (iNKT) cells control prostate cancer (PCa) progression by sculpting the TME. In a mouse PCa model, iNKT cells restrained the pro-angiogenic and immunosuppressive capabilities of tumor-infiltrating immune cells by reducing pro-angiogenic TIE2+, M2-like macrophages (TEMs), and sustaining pro-inflammatory M1-like macrophages. iNKT cells directly contacted macrophages in the PCa stroma, and iNKT cell transfer into tumor-bearing mice abated TEMs, delaying tumor progression. iNKT cells modulated macrophages through the cooperative engagement of CD1d, Fas, and CD40, which promoted selective killing of M2-like and survival of M1-like macrophages. Human PCa aggressiveness associate with reduced intra-tumoral iNKT cells, increased TEMs, and expression of pro-angiogenic genes, underscoring the clinical significance of this crosstalk. Therefore, iNKT cells may control PCa through mechanisms involving differential macrophage modulation, which may be harnessed for therapeutically reprogramming the TME.

Microbiota-driven interleukin-17-producing cells and eosinophils synergize to accelerate multiple myeloma progression.

The gut microbiota has been causally linked to cancer, yet how intestinal microbes influence progression of extramucosal tumors is poorly understood. Here we provide evidence implying that Prevotella heparinolytica promotes the differentiation of Th17 cells colonizing the gut and migrating to the bone marrow (BM) of transgenic Vk*MYC mice, where they favor progression of multiple myeloma (MM). Lack of IL-17 in Vk*MYC mice, or disturbance of their microbiome delayed MM appearance. Similarly, in smoldering MM patients, higher levels of BM IL-17 predicted faster disease progression. IL-17 induced STAT3 phosphorylation in murine plasma cells, and activated eosinophils. Treatment of Vk*MYC mice with antibodies blocking IL-17, IL-17RA, and IL-5 reduced BM accumulation of Th17 cells and eosinophils and delayed disease progression. Thus, in Vk*MYC mice, commensal bacteria appear to unleash a paracrine signaling network between adaptive and innate immunity that accelerates progression to MM, and can be targeted by already available therapies.

T Cells Redirected to a Minor Histocompatibility Antigen Instruct Intratumoral TNFα Expression and Empower Adoptive Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors.

Donor-derived allogeneic T cells evoke potent graft versus tumor (GVT) effects likely due to the simultaneous recognition of tumor-specific and host-restricted minor histocompatibility (H) antigens. Here we investigated whether such effects could be reproduced in autologous settings by TCR gene-engineered lymphocytes. We report that T cells redirected either to a broadly expressed Y-encoded minor H antigen or to a tumor-associated antigen, although poorly effective if individually transferred, when simultaneously administered enabled acute autochthonous tumor debulking and resulted in durable clinical remission. Y-redirected T cells proved hyporesponsive in peripheral lymphoid organs, whereas they retained effector function at the tumor site, where in synergy with tumor-redirected lymphocytes, they instructed TNFα expression, endothelial cell activation, and intratumoral T-cell infiltration. While neutralizing TNFα hindered GVT effects by the combined T-cell infusion, a single injection of picogram amounts of NGR-TNF, a tumor vessel-targeted TNFα derivative currently in phase III clinical trials, substituted for Y-redirected cells and enabled tumor debulking by tumor-redirected lymphocytes. Together, our results provide new mechanistic insights into allogeneic GVT, validate the importance of targeting the tumor and its associated stroma, and prove the potency of a novel combined approach suitable for immediate clinical implementation. Cancer Res; 77(3); 658-71. ©2016 AACR.

Critical impact of the kinetics of dendritic cells activation on the in vivo induction of tumor-specific T lymphocytes.

Dendritic cells (DCs) need activation for the priming of antigen-specific immune responses. Recently activated DCs were described to prime in vitro strong T helper cell type 1 (Th(1)) responses, whereas at later time points, the same cells preferentially prime Th(2) cells [Langenkemp, A. et al., Nat. Immunol. 1: 311-316, 2000]. Because the immune response against cancer strongly depends on CTLs of Th(1)-like phenotype (Tc(1)), we verified here whether the kinetics of DCs activation also impacted on in vivo priming of tumor-specific CTLs. After pulsing with the CTL epitope TRP-2(180-188), bone-marrow-derived DCs, exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 8 h (8hDC), elicited a more powerful Tc(1) response in C57BL/6 mice than did untreated DCs, or DCs exposed to LPS for 48 h (48hDC). Indeed, 8hDCs were the most potent protective and therapeutic vaccine against B16 melanoma. Despite a higher expression of MHC and costimulatory molecules by 48hDCs, 8hDCs and 48hDCs showed comparable allostimulatory and migration potential, and susceptibility to CTL-mediated apoptosis. However, 8hDCs exhibited a significantly higher interleukin (IL)-12 production potential. Release of IL-12 was necessary to induce potent Tc(1) cells, because DCs from IL-12p40(-/-) mice, irrespective of their maturation level, generated low CTL responses, comparable with 48hDCs and 0hDCs from wild-type animals. Our data are relevant for the design of DC-based vaccines.

Tenascin-C Protects Cancer Stem-like Cells from Immune Surveillance by Arresting T-cell Activation.

Precociously disseminated cancer cells may seed quiescent sites of future metastasis if they can protect themselves from immune surveillance. However, there is little knowledge about how such sites might be achieved. Here, we present evidence that prostate cancer stem-like cells (CSC) can be found in histopathologically negative prostate draining lymph nodes (PDLN) in mice harboring oncogene-driven prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (mPIN). PDLN-derived CSCs were phenotypically and functionally identical to CSC obtained from mPIN lesions, but distinct from CSCs obtained from frank prostate tumors. CSC derived from either PDLN or mPIN used the extracellular matrix protein Tenascin-C (TNC) to inhibit T-cell receptor-dependent T-cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production. Mechanistically, TNC interacted with α5ß1 integrin on the cell surface of T cells, inhibiting reorganization of the actin-based cytoskeleton therein required for proper T-cell activation. CSC from both PDLN and mPIN lesions also expressed CXCR4 and migrated in response to its ligand CXCL12, which was overexpressed in PDLN upon mPIN development. CXCR4 was critical for the development of PDLN-derived CSC, as in vivo administration of CXCR4 inhibitors prevented establishment in PDLN of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Taken together, our work establishes a pivotal role for TNC in tuning the local immune response to establish equilibrium between disseminated nodal CSC and the immune system.

Modifications of the mouse bone marrow microenvironment favor angiogenesis and correlate with disease progression from asymptomatic to symptomatic multiple myeloma.

While multiple myeloma (MM) is almost invariably preceded by asymptomatic monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and/or smoldering MM (SMM), the alterations of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment that establish progression to symptomatic disease are circumstantial. Here we show that in Vk*MYC mice harboring oncogene-driven plasma cell proliferative disorder, disease appearance associated with substantial modifications of the BM microenvironment, including a progressive accumulation of both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells with a dominant T helper type 1 (Th1) response. Progression from asymptomatic to symptomatic MM was characterized by further BM accrual of T cells with reduced Th1 and persistently increased Th2 cytokine production, which associated with accumulation of CD206+Tie2+ macrophages, and increased pro-angiogenic cytokines and microvessel density (MVD). Notably, MVD was also increased at diagnosis in the BM of MGUS and SMM patients that subsequently progressed to MM when compared with MGUS and SMM that remained quiescent. These findings suggest a multistep pathogenic process in MM, in which the immune system may contribute to angiogenesis and disease progression. They also suggest initiating a large multicenter study to investigate MVD in asymptomatic patients as prognostic factor for the progression and outcome of this disease.

Boosting anticancer vaccines: Too much of a good thing?

Using both transplantable and oncogene-driven autochthonous tumor models challenged with dendritic cell-based vaccines, we have recently found that boosting provides a clear advantage in prophylactic settings, unless performed on an excessively tight schedule, which causes the loss of central memory T cells. In therapeutic settings, boosting turned out to be always detrimental.

Booster vaccinations against cancer are critical in prophylactic but detrimental in therapeutic settings.

Although cancer vaccines are in the clinic, several issues remain to be addressed to increase vaccine efficacy. In particular, whether how and how frequently a patient should be boosted remains to be defined. Here, we have assessed the ability of dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines to induce a long-lasting tumor-specific CTL response in either prophylactic or therapeutic settings by taking advantage of transplantable and spontaneous mouse tumor models. Implementing a 24-hour ex vivo intracellular cytokine production assay, we have found that priming with a DC-based vaccine induced a long-lasting CTL response in wild-type mice, and homologous boosting better sustained the pool of central memory T cells, which associated with potent protection against B16F1 melanoma challenge. Appropriate timing of booster vaccination was also critical, as a tight boosting schedule hindered persistence of IFN-γ-competent memory CD8(+) T cells and mice survival in prophylactic settings. Conversely, prime/boost vaccination proved to be of no advantage or even detrimental in therapeutic settings in B16F1 and transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) models, respectively. Although DC priming was indeed needed for tumor shrinkage, restoration of immune competence, and prolonged survival of TRAMP mice, repeated boosting did not sustain the pool of central memory CTLs and was detrimental for mice overall survival. Thus, our results indicate that booster vaccinations impact antitumor immunity to different extents, depending on their prophylactic or therapeutic administration, and suggest evaluating the need for boosting in any given patient with cancer depending on the state of the disease.

Prostate cancer stem cells are targets of both innate and adaptive immunity and elicit tumor-specific immune responses.

According to the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory, therapies that do not target the CSC compartment have limited, if any, chances to eradicate established tumors. While cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) have the potential to recognize and kill single neoplastic cells within a tissue, whether CSCs can be targeted by the immune system during spontaneous or vaccination-elicited responses is poorly defined. Here, we provide experimental evidence showing that CSC lines established from the prostate of transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice expressed prostate cancer-associated antigens, MHC Class I and II molecules as well as ligands for natural killer (NK) cell receptors. Indeed, CSC were targets for both NK cell- and CTL-mediated cytotoxicity, both in vitro and in vivo. The administration of dendritic cells pulsed with irradiated CSCs induced a tumor-specific immune response that was more robust than that induced by dendritic cells pulsed with differentiated tumor cells, delayed tumor growth in mice challenged with prostate CSCs and caused tumor regression in TRAMP mice. Thus, CSC are targeted by both innate and adaptive immune responses and might be exploited for the design of novel immunotherapeutic approaches against cancer.

Gene signatures distinguish stage-specific prostate cancer stem cells isolated from transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate lesions and predict the malignancy of human tumors.

The relevant social and economic impact of prostate adenocarcinoma, one of the leading causes of death in men, urges critical improvements in knowledge of the pathogenesis and cure of this disease. These can also be achieved by implementing in vitro and in vivo preclinical models by taking advantage of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs). The best-characterized mouse model of prostate cancer is the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. TRAMP mice develop a progressive lesion called prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia that evolves into adenocarcinoma (AD) between 24 and 30 weeks of age. ADs often metastasize to lymph nodes, lung, bones, and kidneys. Eventually, approximately 5% of the mice develop an androgen-independent neuroendocrine adenocarcinoma. Here we report the establishment of long-term self-renewing PCSC lines from the different stages of TRAMP progression by application of the neurosphere assay. Stage-specific prostate cell lines were endowed with the critical features expected from malignant bona fide cancer stem cells, namely, self-renewal, multipotency, and tumorigenicity. Notably, transcriptome analysis of stage-specific PCSCs resulted in the generation of well-defined, meaningful gene signatures, which identify distinct stages of human tumor progression. As such, TRAMP-derived PCSCs represent a novel and valuable preclinical model for elucidating the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to prostate adenocarcinoma and for the identification of molecular mediators to be pursued as therapeutic targets.

Modulation of microenvironment acidity reverses anergy in human and murine tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes.

Stimulating the effector functions of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) in primary and metastatic tumors could improve active and adoptive T-cell therapies for cancer. Abnormal glycolysis, high lactic acid production, proton accumulation, and a reversed intra-extracellular pH gradient are thought to help render tumor microenvironments hostile to roving immune cells. However, there is little knowledge about how acidic microenvironments affect T-cell immunity. Here, we report that lowering the environmental pH to values that characterize tumor masses (pH 6-6.5) was sufficient to establish an anergic state in human and mouse tumor-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes. This state was characterized by impairment of cytolytic activity and cytokine secretion, reduced expression of IL-2Rα (CD25) and T-cell receptors (TCR), and diminished activation of STAT5 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) after TCR activation. In contrast, buffering pH at physiologic values completely restored all these metrics of T-cell function. Systemic treatment of B16-OVA-bearing mice with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) significantly increased the therapeutic efficacy of both active and adoptive immunotherapy. Our findings show that acidification of the tumor microenvironment acts as mechanism of immune escape. Furthermore, they illustrate the potential of PPIs to safely correct T-cell dysfunction and improve the efficacy of T-cell-based cancer treatments.

Modulators of arginine metabolism do not impact on peripheral T-cell tolerance and disease progression in a model of spontaneous prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Chronic inflammation, recruitment of myeloid-derived cells, and perturbation of the arginine metabolism have been all proposed as mechanisms favoring prostate carcinogenesis and tumor immunoescape. Objective of this study was to evaluate whether accumulation of CD11b(+)Gr1(+) cells, also defined myeloid-derived suppressor cells, occur in mice affected by transplantable or spontaneous prostate cancer (PC). We also investigated whether N(G) nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and sildenafil, both modulators of the arginine metabolism, restrain tumor growth and restore tumor-specific immunity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Wild-type C57BL/6 mice bearing TRAMP-C1 PC and transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice were treated with vehicle, L-NAME or sildenafil, and evaluated for CD11b(+) cells accumulation in the blood, several organs, and the tumor mass and for disease progression. RESULTS: CD11b(+)Gr1(high), CD11b(+)Gr1(int), and CD11b(+)Gr1(-) cells differently accumulated in different organs and especially in the tumor of the two mouse models. L-NAME and sildenafil impaired the immunosuppressive function of CD11b(+) cells in both models and restrained TRAMP-C1 growth, but they neither break tumor-specific immune tolerance nor limit tumor progression in TRAMP mice. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results emphasize substantial differences in tumor-induced alteration of myelopoiesis and sensitivity to modulators of the arginine metabolism between a transplantable and a spontaneous model of PC. They also suggest that perturbation of the arginine metabolism is dispensable for PC progression and the associated T-cell tolerance.