Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR T-cells) produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that increase expression of T cell checkpoint signals such as PD-L1, which may inhibit their functionality against solid tumors. In this study, we evaluated in human tumor xenograft models the pro-inflammatory properties of an oncolytic adenovirus (Onc.Ad) with a helper-dependent Ad (HDAd) that expresses a PD-L1 blocking mini-antibody (mini-body) (HDPDL1), as a strategy to enhance CAR T-cell killing. Co-administration of these agents (CAd-VECPDL1) exhibited oncolytic effects with production of PD-L1 mini-body locally at the tumor site. On their own, HDPDL1 exhibited no anti-tumor effect and CAd-VECPDL1 alone reduced tumors only to volumes comparable to Onc.Ad treatment. However, combining CAd-VECPDL1 with HER2.CAR T-cells enhanced anti-tumor activity compared to treatment with either HER2.CAR T-cells alone, or HER2.CAR T-cells plus Onc.Ad. The benefits of locally produced PD-L1 mini-body by CAd-VECPDL1 could not be replicated by infusion of anti-PD-L1 IgG plus HER2.CAR T-cells and co-administration of Onc.Ad in a HER2+ prostate cancer xenograft model. Overall, our data document the superiority of local production of PD-L1 mini-body by CAd-VECPDL1 combined with administration of tumor-directed CAR T-cells to control the growth of solid tumors.

Author Info: (1) Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences. (2) Department of Medicine, Center for Cell & Gene Th

Author Info: (1) Department of Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences. (2) Department of Medicine, Center for Cell & Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine. (3) Department of Medicine, Center for Cell & Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine. (4) Department of Medicine, Center for Cell & Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine. (5) Medicine, Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine. (6) Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine. (7) Medicine and Pediatrics, Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine. (8) Department of Medicine, Center for Cell & Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine suzuki@bcm.edu.