Abstract
Resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint blockade therapy (ICBT) limit its response duration and magnitude. Paradoxically, Interferon γ (IFNγ), a key cytokine for cellular immunity, can promote ICBT resistance. Using syngeneic mouse tumour models, we confirm that chronic IFNγ exposure confers resistance to immunotherapy targeting PD-1 (α-PD-1) in immunocompetent female mice. We observe upregulation of poly-ADP ribosyl polymerase 14 (PARP14) in chronic IFNγ-treated cancer cell models, in patient melanoma with elevated IFNG expression, and in melanoma cell cultures from ICBT-progressing lesions characterised by elevated IFNγ signalling. Effector T cell infiltration is enhanced in tumours derived from cells pre-treated with IFNγ in immunocompetent female mice when PARP14 is pharmacologically inhibited or knocked down, while the presence of regulatory T cells is decreased, leading to restoration of α-PD-1 sensitivity. Finally, we determine that tumours which spontaneously relapse in immunocompetent female mice following α-PD-1 therapy upregulate IFNγ signalling and can also be re-sensitised upon receiving PARP14 inhibitor treatment, establishing PARP14 as an actionable target to reverse IFNγ-driven ICBT resistance.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 5983 |
Journal | Nature Communications |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 26 Sept 2023 |
Keywords
- Female
- Humans
- Animals
- Mice
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
- Interferon-gamma
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
- Melanoma
- Disease Models, Animal
- Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases