Abstract 1735: The potent and selective MERTK/AXL inhibitor PF-5807/ARRY-067 activates dendritic cells to cross-prime CD8+ T cells for anti-tumor activity
Authors: Jim Wong, Jacqueline Harrison, Karyn Bouhana, Nhan Nguyen, Namir Shaabani, Vincent F. Vartabedian, LouAnn Cable, Robert Rieger, Lisa Pieti Opie, Shelley Allen, Adam Cook, Joshua Dahlke, Ronald Hinklin, David Chantry, Shannon Winski, John Teijaro
Journal: Cancer Research (2021)

Abstract The TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases (MERTK, AXL, and TYRO3) are expressed on DCs and macrophages, and they serve a critical role in efferocytosis, by which apoptotic bodies are cleared by engulfment. Their activation drives phagocytic activity concomitant to promoting an immuno-suppressive, tolerogenic state in DCs and the M2 polarization of macrophages. This dual signaling mechanism allows for the clearance of cells undergoing non-pathologic apoptotic turnover without inappropriately breaking self-tolerance and driving auto-immunity. Unlike most immuno-therapy targets, the KOs of the TAM kinases, PD-1, and CTLA-4 share common auto-immune disease phenotypes such as splenomegaly, immune infiltration of the liver, arthritis, and lupus. Furthermore, viruses have evolved to promote PD-1/CTLA-4 signaling to suppress the anti-viral immune response, and they similarly target the TAM receptors via apoptotic mimicry to reduce the inflammatory response. This confluence of immune phenotypes provided the biological rationale for the discovery of PF-5807/ARRY-067, a potent and selective inhibitor of MERTK/AXL as a DC-activating immuno-oncology therapeutic. Based on the IC50 for inhibition of phospho-MERTK/AXL in cell-based assays, our mouse PK and PK/PD studies determined that 50 mg/kg PF-5807 provided IC90 plasma coverage for 12 hours. This PK profile supported a twice-daily dosing schedule for maintaining continuous suppression of MERTK and AXL, which was used for mechanistic and efficacy studies in mouse models. To investigate DC and T cell responses to PF-5807, mice were adoptively-transferred with OT-I T cells and challenged with ovalbumin immunization; flow cytometry analysis indicated that PF-5807 treatment increased the fraction of activated, Class II MHC-positive DCs, as well as cross-primed IFNγ+ TNFα+ OT-I T cells. Also, we found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes were necessary for tumor control in the E0771 mouse syngeneic tumor model, as depletion of CD8+ T cells abrogated all activity by PF-5807 in inhibiting tumor growth. This anti-tumor activity was further demonstrated in the MC-38 and EMT6 tumor models, where single agent PF-5807 effected 57-88% TGI and a 13-38% cure rate, while combination with PD-1 blockade drove 99-100% TGI and a 75-100% cure rate. Finally, these complete responders rejected tumor re-challenge without further treatment, resulting in extended survival and durable cures that corroborate the development of immunologic memory. Therefore, we find that PF-5807 activates DCs to cross-prime CD8+ T cells, which are necessary for tumor control and are likely responsible for the establishment of tumor-specific memory T cells. PF-5807 is currently in an ongoing Phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors, with the intent to explore combination with anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 antibodies. Citation Format: Jim Wong, Jacqueline Harrison, Karyn Bouhana, Nhan Nguyen, Namir Shaabani, Vincent F. Vartabedian, LouAnn Cable, Robert Rieger, Lisa Pieti Opie, Shelley Allen, Adam Cook, Joshua Dahlke, Ronald Hinklin, David Chantry, Shannon Winski, John Teijaro. The potent and selective MERTK/AXL inhibitor PF-5807/ARRY-067 activates dendritic cells to cross-prime CD8+ T cells for anti-tumor activity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1735.