Immunomodulatory effects of cryoablation combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K16429
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 55040:Respiratory surgery-related
• Research Institution: Teikyo University
• Principal Investigator: Yamauchi Yoshikane 帝京大学, 医学部, 講師 (30445390)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 凍結療法 / 肺癌 / 免疫療法 / MDSC

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We specifically addressed myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and T-cell immunity, which are thought to play an important role in the formation of the tumor microenvironment. We investigated their role in tumor immunomodulation both in the tumor itself and in the tumor surrounding environment when combined with cryoablation and ICIs. Our findings suggest that the combination of cryoablation and ICI might have synergetic anti-tumor effects, which could be evaluated by monitoring of MDSCs and T-cell immunity.

Free Research Field

呼吸器外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

腫瘍の微小環境形成に重要な役割を果たすと考えられている骨髄由来抑制細胞（MDSC）とT細胞免疫について、凍結融解術とICIを組み合わせた場合の腫瘍自身と腫瘍周辺環境における免疫調節の役割について検討しました。その結果、凍結融解術とICIの併用は相乗的な抗腫瘍効果をもたらす可能性があり、その効果はMDSCsとT細胞免疫のモニタリングによって評価できることが示唆された。