An albumin IL-2 fusion (Alb–IL2) encoded in nucleoside-modified RNA and encapsulated in a nanoparticle (RNP) significantly accumulated in tumors and tdLNs of mice for at least 3 days, while unfused RNP IL-2 was undetectable. Combination with RNA lipoplex (RNA-LPX) vaccines in mice promoted >3-fold peripheral expansion of antigen-specific T cells and upregulation of CD25 (IL-2Rα), with minimal impact on Treg frequency. In CT26 tumor-bearing mice treated with a gp70 RNA-LPX vaccine and anti-PD-L1, the addition of Alb-IL2 RNP significantly improved tumor control and increased tumor-specific CD8+ T cells in the tumor, tDLN, and spleen compared to the addition of Alb-only RNP.
Contributed by Morgan Janes
ABSTRACT: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a crucial cytokine in T-cell immunity and a promising combination partner to boost cancer vaccine efficacy. However, therapeutic application of IL-2 is hampered by its short half-life and substantial toxicities. Herein, we report preclinical characterization of a mouse serum albumin-IL-2 fusion protein (Alb-IL2) encoded on nucleoside-modified RNA delivered via a nanoparticle formulation (Alb-IL2 RNA-NP) mediating prolonged cytokine availability. Alb-IL2 RNA-NP was combined with RNA-lipoplex (RNA-LPX) vaccines to evaluate its effect on the expansion of vaccine-induced antigen-specific T-cell immunity. In mice dosed with Alb-IL2 RNA-NP, translated protein was shown to be systemically available up to two days, with an albumin-dependent preferred presence in the tumor and tumor-draining lymph node. Alb-IL2 RNA-NP administration prolonged serum availability of the cytokine compared to murine recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2). In combination with RNA-LPX vaccines, Alb-IL2 RNA-NP administration highly increased expansion of RNA-LPX vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells in the spleen and blood. The combination enhanced and sustained the fraction of IL-2 receptor (IL-2R)_-positive antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and ameliorated the functional capacity of the CD8+ T-cell population. Alb-IL2 RNA-NP strongly improved the antitumor activity and survival of concomitant RNA-LPX vaccination and PD-L1 blockade in a subcutaneous mouse tumor model. The favorable pharmacokinetic properties of Alb-IL2 RNA-NP render it an attractive modality for rationally designed combination immunotherapy. RNA vaccines that induce tumor-specific T-cell immunity for Alb-IL2 RNA-NP to further amplify are particularly attractive combination partners.