F4/80-targeted CAR T cells (F4.CAR-T) selectively depleted macrophages in vitro and reduced splenic macrophage frequency in vivo, expanding in the blood without prior preconditioning. In a lung tumor model, F4.CAR-T infiltrated the tumor microenvironment, colocalized with F4/80+ cells, and depleted intratumoral macrophages, reducing tumor burden (similar to anti-PD-1 therapy) and extending mouse survival. Dependent on IFNγ, F4.CAR-T infusion also increased tumor MHC-I/II levels and decreased tumor antigen (tdTomato) expression, suggesting immunoediting. F4.CAR-T also showed beneficial treatment outcomes in ovarian and pancreatic cancer models.

Contributed by Alex Najibi

ABSTRACT: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most abundant cell types in many solid tumors and typically exert protumor effects. This has led to an interest in macrophage-depleting agents for cancer therapy, but approaches developed to date have had limited success in clinical trials. Here, we report the development of a strategy for TAM depletion in mouse solid tumor models using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting the macrophage marker F4/80 (F4.CAR-T). F4.CAR-T cells effectively killed macrophages in vitro and in vivo without toxicity. When injected into mice bearing orthotopic lung tumors, F4.CAR-T cells infiltrated tumor lesions and delayed tumor growth comparably to PD-1 blockade, and significantly extended mouse survival. Anti-tumor effects were mediated by F4.CAR-T-produced IFN-_, which promoted upregulation of MHC molecules on cancer cells and tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. Notably, F4.CAR-T promoted expansion of endogenous CD8 T cells specific for tumor-associated antigen and led to immune editing of highly antigenic tumor cell clones. Antitumor impact was also observed in mouse models of ovarian and pancreatic cancer. These studies provide proof-of-principle to support CAR T cell targeting of TAMs as a means to enhance antitumor immunity.

Author Info: (1) University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain. (2) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United

Author Info: (1) University of Navarra and Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Navarra, Spain. (2) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States. (3) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States. (4) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States. (5) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States. (6) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States. (7) Precision Immunology Institute, New York, NY, United States. (8) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States. (9) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States. (10) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States. (11) Precision Immunology Institute, New York, NY, United States. (12) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.