STING activation reprograms the microenvironment to sensitize NF1-related malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors for immunotherapy
Bandarigoda N. Somatilaka, … , Renee M. McKay, Lu Q. Le
Bandarigoda N. Somatilaka, … , Renee M. McKay, Lu Q. Le
Published March 19, 2024
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2024;134(10):e176748. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI176748.
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Research Article Oncology Therapeutics

STING activation reprograms the microenvironment to sensitize NF1-related malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors for immunotherapy

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene that encodes neurofibromin, a RAS GTPase–activating protein. Inactivating NF1 mutations cause hyperactivation of RAS-mediated signaling, resulting in the development of multiple neoplasms, including malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). MPNSTs are an aggressive tumor and the main cause of mortality in patients with NF1. MPNSTs are difficult to resect and refractory to chemo- and radiotherapy, and no molecular therapies currently exist. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is an approach to treat inoperable, undruggable cancers like MPNST, but successful outcomes require an immune cell–rich tumor microenvironment. While MPNSTs are noninflamed “cold” tumors, here, we converted MPNSTs into T cell–inflamed “hot” tumors by activating stimulator of IFN genes (STING) signaling. Mouse genetic and human xenograft MPNST models treated with a STING agonist plus ICB exhibited growth delay via increased apoptotic cell death. This strategy offers a potential treatment regimen for MPNSTs.

Authors

Bandarigoda N. Somatilaka, Laasya Madana, Ali Sadek, Zhiguo Chen, Sanjay Chandrasekaran, Renee M. McKay, Lu Q. Le

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Figure 4

Combination treatment of cisNP mice with a STING agonist plus ICB delays tumor growth.

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Combination treatment of cisNP mice with a STING agonist plus ICB delays...
(A) Treatment arms for STING activation followed by the ICB study. i.t., intratumoral. (B) Schema of drug treatment for STING activation and ICB in cisNP mice. (C) Schema of STING activation and ICB in nude mice. (D and E) Percentage of increase in tumor volume in cisNP mice and nude mice given the indicated treatments. Control, n = 9; ADU-S100, ADU-S100 plus anti–PD-1 (αPD-1), n = 6; PBS plus anti–PD-1, n = 6; PBS plus anti–PD-L1, n = 5; ADU-S100 plus anti–PD-L1, n = 7 for cisNP mice. Control, n = 11; ADU-S100, n = 11; ADU-S100 plus anti–PD-1, n = 12; PBS plus anti–PD-1, n = 12; PBS plus anti–PD-L1, n = 10; ADU-S100 plus anti–PD-L1, n = 10 for nude mice. The same data sets for control and ADU-S100 treatments in D are shown in the respective graphs in E for clarity and ease of comparison. Data are presented as the mean ± SEM. *P < 0.05 and **P < 0.01, by Tukey’s multiple-comparison test.