Activation of Melanoma Immunotherapy - Combination Therapy with Anti-PD-1 Antibody and Oncolytic Virus

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K16219
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53050:Dermatology-related
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Maeda Taku 北海道大学, 大学病院, 講師 (80813542)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 悪性黒色腫 / 腫瘍溶解性ウイルス / 免疫 / リンパ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

A model of melanoma was established via the subcutaneous injection of Clone M-3 melanoma cells into the mouse thigh. It was hypothesized that Clone M-3 would not form masses in shallow subcutaneous tissue sites like the footpad. The implementation of flow cytometry unveiled an increase in CD4+-CD8+ lymphocytes in tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN) upon seeding of Clone M-3. Although no obvious metastasis was detected in the lymph nodes during this study, the possibility that cytotoxic T cells were activated in response to tumor antigens in the TDLN cannot be dismissed. Notably, no virus or anti-PD-1 antibody was administered during the study.

Free Research Field

形成外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

腫瘍溶解性ウイルスは宿主の抗腫瘍免疫活性を賦活化させることで、直接ウイルスを投与していない腫瘍に対しても治療効果を発揮することが示唆されている。腫瘍溶解性ウイルスと抗PD-1抗体の併用によって生じるリンパ球の変化を捉え、腫瘍溶解性ウイルスが持つ免疫賦活化の機序を検証することで、メラノーマ治療において新たな選択肢を増やすことに繋がる可能性がある。