Combination of molecular-targeted therapy with peptide vaccine

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K20223
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Otorhinolaryngology
• Research Institution: Asahikawa Medical College
• Principal Investigator: Kumai Takumi 旭川医科大学, 医学部, 特任講師 (00596306)
• Research Collaborator: HARABUCHI Yasuaki ; KOBAYASHI Hiroya
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 頭頸部癌 / 腫瘍免疫 / ペプチドワクチン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Based on the clinical success of immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunotherapy has been considered as a novel pillar of cancer treatment. In this study, we examine the synergistic effect of molecular-targeted therapy with peptide vaccine. The blockade of EGFR or c-Met induced tumoral MHC expression or TGF-b, an immunosuppressive cytokine, suppression, respectively. These treatments augmented the recognition and cytotoxicity of peptide-reactive CD4 T cells to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells and nasal NK/T cell lymphoma cells.

Free Research Field

腫瘍免疫

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究で新たな癌免疫療法の基盤が確立されたことで、PD-1阻害薬では効果不十分であった症例にもさらなる免疫細胞による抗腫瘍効果が期待される。