MEK inhibition suppresses B regulatory cells and augments anti-tumor immunity

Mark Yarchoan, Aditya A. Mohan, Lauren Dennison, Teena Vithayathil, Amanda Ruggieri, Gregory B. Lesinski, Todd D. Armstrong, Nilofer S. Azad, Elizabeth M. Jaffee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK) is an integral component of the RAS pathway and a therapeutic target in RAS-driven cancers. Although tumor responses to MEK inhibition are rarely durable, MEK inhibitors have shown substantial activity and durable tumor regressions when combined with systemic immunotherapies in preclinical models of RAS-driven tumors. MEK inhibitors have been shown to potentiate anti-tumor T cell immunity, but little is known about the effects of MEK inhibition on other immune subsets, including B cells. We show here that treatment with a MEK inhibitor reduces B regulatory cells (Bregs) in vitro, and reduces the number of Bregs in tumor draining lymph nodes in a colorectal cancer model in vivo. MEK inhibition does not impede anti-tumor humoral immunity, and B cells contribute meaningfully to anti-tumor immunity in the context of MEK inhibitor therapy. Treatment with a MEK inhibitor is associated with improved T cell infiltration and an enhanced response to anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Together these data indicate that MEK inhibition may reduce Bregs while sparing anti-tumor B cell function, resulting in enhanced anti-tumor immunity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere0224600
JournalPloS one
Volume14
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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