Abstract 2267: Therapeutic synergy of the chimeric, oncolytic virus VSV-GP with immune modulators
Authors: Mueller Philipp , Erlmann Patrik , Petersson Monika , Nolden Tobias , Urbiola Carles , Schreiber Liesa-Marie , Spiesschaert Bart , Erb Klaus , Stierstorfer Birgit , Impagnatiello Maria Antonietta , Borges Eric , Elbers Knut , Wollmann Guido , Park John 
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Oncolytic viruses (OVs), which selectively replicate in and destroy tumor cells, represent a highly promising class of cancer therapeutics. In recent years, the focus in the OV field has significantly shifted from a pure oncolytic mode of action to their strong immune stimulatory potential. Tumor cells lysed by the viruses release pro-inflammatory signals, tumor associated antigens as well as display hallmarks of immunogenic cell death. VSV-GP, a chimeric VSV pseudotyped with the glycoprotein of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a potent tumor cell-lysing agent and capable of jump-starting α-tumor immunity. The current study explores the immune promoting properties of VSV-GP and investigates clinically relevant combination therapies with checkpoint inhibition (α-PD-1) as well as a “second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases“ mimetic (SMACm).

Experimental Procedures: Immune competent mice bearing established LLC1-IFNARKO, B16-F1-OVA or CT26.CL25-IFNARKO tumors were subject to treatments comprising VSV-GP, α-PD-1, a SMACm or combinations of VSV-GP with either of the latter therapies. α-tumor effects were determined by tumor growth inhibition and/or changes in overall survival. VSV-GP's tumor cell selective replication, resulting in immune activation, was assessed using FFPE based IHC staining for the viral N-protein, PD-L1 and different immune cell subsets as well as the NanoString platform (nCounter Pan Cancer Immune Profiling Panel).

Data Summary: Here we present data on VSV-GP, which displays potent α-tumor efficacy and upon systemic delivery increases the local T-cell infiltration, expression of chemokines, T-cell and myeloid cell specific activation markers as well as expression of immune checkpoints, such as PD-1 and PD-L1 within the tumor microenvironment. Building on the observed therapeutic potential of VSV-GP as monotherapy, its immune promoting properties and the delineated compensatory mechanisms, such as PD-1/-L1 upregulation, we explored therapeutic combinations with a PD-1 blocking antibody, which resulted in a strong improvement of VSV-GP-mediated α-tumor efficacy as well as overall survival. Cured, tumor free animals were protected from tumor rechallange indicating immunological memory formation. We further explored the therapeutic combination of VSV-GP with a SMACm, which also resulted in a strongly improved therapeutic benefit and increased overall survival.

Conclusion: In summary VSV-GP induces a pro-inflammatory microenvironment within infected tumors, increases immune cell infiltration and synergizes with α-PD-1 as well as a SMACm. VSV-GP is a potent OV with a strong α-tumor immunity promoting potential. Preclinical data justify further testing of VSV-GP and the combinations with PD-1 blockade or a SMACm in clinical trials.

Citation Format: Philipp Mueller, Patrik Erlmann, Monika Petersson, Tobias Nolden, Carles Urbiola, Liesa-Marie Schreiber, Bart Spiesschaert, Klaus Erb, Birgit Stierstorfer, Maria Antonietta Impagnatiello, Eric Borges, Knut Elbers, Guido Wollmann, John Park. Therapeutic synergy of the chimeric, oncolytic virus VSV-GP with immune modulators [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2267.