Targeting MerTK Enhances Adaptive Immune Responses After Radiation Therapy.

Publication Title

International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics

Authors

Garth W Tormoen
Tiffany C Blair
Shelly Bambina, Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Medical Center, Portland, ORFollow
Gwen Kramer, Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Medical Center, Portland, ORFollow
Jason Baird, Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Medical Center, Portland, ORFollow
Ramtin Rahmani
John M Holland
Owen J T McCarty
Michael J Baine
Vivek Verma
Nima Nabavizadeh
Michael J Gough, Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Medical Center, Portland, ORFollow
Marka Crittenden, Earl A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Medical Center, Portland, OR; The Oregon Clinic, Portland, OregonFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2020

Keywords

oregon; portland; ppmc; chiles

Abstract

PURPOSE: The role of MerTK, a member of the Tyro3-Axl-MerTK family of receptor tyrosine kinase, in the immune response to radiation therapy (RT) is unclear. We investigated immune-mediated tumor control after RT in murine models of colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma using MerTK wild-type and knock-out hosts and whether inhibition of MerTK signaling with warfarin could replicate MerTK knock-out phenotypes.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Wild-type and MerTK

RESULTS: MerTK

CONCLUSIONS: MerTK inhibits adaptive immune responses after SABR. Because warfarin inhibits MerTK signaling and phenocopies genetic deletion of MerTK in mice, warfarin therapy may have beneficial effects in combination with SABR and immune therapy in patients with cancer.

Area of Special Interest

Cancer

Area of Special Interest

Digestive Health

Specialty/Research Institute

Gastroenterology

Specialty/Research Institute

Oncology