Publication Title
Molecular cancer therapeutics
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2018
Keywords
Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Cytokines; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; Female; HEK293 Cells; Humans; Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments; Immunoglobulin G; Lymphocyte Activation; Macaca mulatta; OX40 Ligand; Protein Multimerization; Receptors, OX40; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; T-Lymphocytes; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
Abstract
Ligation of OX40 (CD134, TNFRSF4) on activated T cells by its natural ligand (OX40L, CD252, TNFSF4) enhances cellular survival, proliferation, and effector functions such as cytokine release and cellular cytotoxicity. We engineered a recombinant human OX40L IgG4P Fc fusion protein termed MEDI6383 that assembles into a hexameric structure and exerts potent agonist activity following engagement of OX40. MEDI6383 displayed solution-phase agonist activity that was enhanced when the fusion protein was clustered by Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) on the surface of adjacent cells. The resulting costimulation of OX40 on T cells induced NFκB promoter activity in OX40-expressing T cells and induced Th1-type cytokine production, proliferation, and resistance to regulatory T cell (Treg)-mediated suppression. MEDI6383 enhanced the cytolytic activity of tumor-reactive T cells and reduced tumor growth in the context of an alloreactive human T cell:tumor cell admix model in immunocompromised mice. Consistent with the role of OX40 costimulation in the expansion of memory T cells, MEDI6383 administered to healthy nonhuman primates elicited peripheral blood CD4 and CD8 central and effector memory T-cell proliferation as well as B-cell proliferation. Together, these results suggest that OX40 agonism has the potential to enhance antitumor immunity in human malignancies.
Area of Special Interest
Cancer
Specialty/Research Institute
Earle A. Chiles Research Institute
Specialty/Research Institute
Oncology
