CD25+ regulatory T cell depletion augments immunotherapy of micrometastases by an IL-21-secreting cellular vaccine

IL-21 is an IL-2-like cytokine, signaling through a specific IL-21R and the IL-2R gamma-chain. Because the TS/A mammary adenocarcinoma cells genetically modified to secrete IL-21 (TS/A-IL-21) are strongly immunogenic in syngeneic mice, we analyzed their application as vaccine. In mice bearing TS/A-parental cell (pc) micrometastases, vaccination with irradiated TS/A-IL-21 cells significantly increased the animal life span, but cured only 17% of mice. Spleen cells from cured mice developed CTL activity and produced IFN-gamma in response to stimulation by the AH1 epitope of the gp70env Ag of TS/A-pc. We tested whether the low therapeutic outcome might be due to CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) present in TS/A-pc tumors and draining lymph nodes and whether IL-21 had any effect on these cells. Indeed, CD4(+)CD25(+) cells suppressed IFN-gamma production by splenocytes from immune mice in response to stimulation by the AH1 peptide. Low concentrations of IL-21 (10 ng/ml) failed to reverse the inhibitory activity of CD4(+)CD25(+) cells in an allogeneic MLR, whereas 60 ng/ml rIL-21 partially restored responder T cell proliferation. IL-21R expression on CD25(-) lymphocytes suggested that IL-21 could be more effective in mice depleted of CD25(+) cells. Depletion of Treg cells by a single dose of anti-CD25 mAb combined with TS/A-IL-21 cell vaccine cured > 70% of mice bearing micrometastases, whereas anti-CD25 mAb treatment alone had no effect. Successful combined immunotherapy required NK cells, CD8(+) T cells, and IFN-gamma. In conclusion, immunotherapy of micrometastases by an IL-21-based cellular vaccine is strongly potentiated by CD25(+) cell depletion.