PLGA-particle vaccine carrying TLR3/RIG-I ligand Riboxxim synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade for effective anti-cancer immunotherapy

Nat Commun. 2021 May 18;12(1):2935. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-23244-3.

Abstract

With emerging supremacy, cancer immunotherapy has evolved as a promising therapeutic modality compared to conventional antitumor therapies. Cancer immunotherapy composed of biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles containing antigens and toll-like receptor ligands induces vigorous antitumor immune responses in vivo. Here, we demonstrate the supreme adjuvant effect of the recently developed and pharmaceutically defined double-stranded (ds)RNA adjuvant Riboxxim especially when incorporated into PLGA particles. Encapsulation of Riboxxim together with antigens potently activates murine and human dendritic cells, and elevated tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses are superior to those obtained using classical dsRNA analogues. This PLGA particle vaccine affords primary tumor growth retardation, prevention of metastases, and prolonged survival in preclinical tumor models. Its advantageous therapeutic potency was further enhanced by immune checkpoint blockade that resulted in reinvigoration of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and tumor ablation. Thus, combining immune checkpoint blockade with immunotherapy based on Riboxxim-bearing PLGA particles strongly increases its efficacy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cancer Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Cancer Vaccines / immunology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DEAD Box Protein 58 / immunology*
  • DEAD Box Protein 58 / metabolism
  • Drug Synergism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / immunology*
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Ligands
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / immunology
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / metabolism
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / therapy*
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer / chemistry
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer / immunology*
  • Receptors, Immunologic / immunology*
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism
  • THP-1 Cells
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3 / immunology*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3 / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer
  • RIGI protein, human
  • DEAD Box Protein 58