Anti-4-1BB immunotherapy enhances systemic immune effects of radiotherapy to induce B and T cell-dependent anti-tumor immune activation and improve tumor control at unirradiated sites

Radiation therapy (RT) can prime and boost systemic anti-tumor effects via STING activation, resulting in enhanced tumor antigen presentation and antigen recognition by T cells. It is increasingly recognized that optimal anti-tumor immune responses benefit from coordinated cellular (T cell) and humoral (B cell) responses. However, the nature and functional relevance of the RT-induced immune response are controversial, beyond STING signaling, and agonistic interventions are lacking. Here, we show that B and CD4(+) T cell accumulation at tumor beds in response to RT precedes the arrival of CD8(+) T cells, and both cell types are absolutely required for abrogated tumor growth in non-irradiated tumors. Further, RT induces increased expression of 4-1BB (CD137) in both T and B cells; both in preclinical models and in a cohort of patients with small cell lung cancer treated with thoracic RT. Accordingly, the combination of RT and anti-41BB therapy leads to increased immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment and significant abscopal effects. Thus, 4-1BB therapy enhances radiation-induced tumor-specific immune responses via coordinated B and T cell responses, thereby preventing malignant progression at unirradiated tumor sites. These findings provide a rationale for combining RT and 4-1bb therapy in future clinical trials.

Automated summary

Radiation therapy (RT) can enhance systemic anti-tumor effects by activating STING and promoting tumor antigen presentation and recognition by T cells. This study shows that the accumulation of B and CD4(+) T cells at tumor beds induced by RT is necessary for inhibiting tumor growth in non-irradiated tumors. RT also increases the expression of 4-1BB in T and B cells, and combining RT with anti-4-1BB therapy enhances immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment.