Intratumoral interferon-gamma increases chemokine production but fails to increase T cell infiltration of human melanoma metastases

Optimal approaches to induce T cell infiltration of tumors are not known. Chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 support effector T cell recruitment and may be induced by IFN. This study tests the hypothesis that intratumoral administration of IFN gamma will induce CXCL9-11 and will induce T cell recruitment and anti-tumor immune signatures in melanoma metastases. Nine eligible patients were immunized with a vaccine comprised of 12 class I MHC-restricted melanoma peptides and received IFN gamma intratumorally. Effects on the tumor microenvironment were evaluated in sequential tumor biopsies. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded. T cell responses to vaccination were assessed in PBMC by IFN gamma ELISPOT assay. Tumor biopsies were evaluated for immune cell infiltration, chemokine protein expression, and gene expression. Vaccination and intratumoral administration of IFN gamma were well tolerated. Circulating T cell responses to vaccine were detected in six of nine patients. IFN gamma increased production of chemokines CXCL10, CXCL11, and CCL5 in patient tumors. Neither vaccination alone, nor the addition of IFN gamma promoted immune cell infiltration or induced anti-tumor immune gene signatures. The melanoma vaccine induced circulating T cell responses, but it failed to infiltrate metastases, thus highlighting the need for combination strategies to support T cell infiltration. A single intratumoral injection of IFN gamma induced T cell-attracting chemokines; however, it also induced secondary immune regulation that may paradoxically limit immune infiltration and effector functions. Alternate dosing strategies or additional combinatorial treatments may be needed to promote trafficking and retention of tumor-reactive T cells in melanoma metastases.