A Combinatorial Effect of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and CD40 Agonistic Antibody in Murine Pancreatic Cancer Model

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the poorest prognoses of all cancer types. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are currently not indicated for patients with PDAC except for those with high microsatellite instability. In this study, we developed an immunocompetent orthotopic transplant mouse model with Kras and Trp53 mutations, characterized by high fibrosis and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, closely mimicking human PDAC lesions. This model provides a robust platform for investigating strategies for improving ICI efficacy. We observed that ICI monotherapy yielded minimal efficacy, whereas anti-CD40 agonist antibody (aCD40) monotherapy prolonged survival despite its low impact on primary tumor volume. Moreover, ICIs + aCD40 combination therapy not only extended survival but also significantly reduced tumor burden. These effects were accompanied by enhanced dendritic cell migration to the lymph nodes and T cell priming and activation. Moreover, the expression of immunosuppressive markers in tumor-associated macrophages was decreased. Indeed, gene expression analyses of infiltrating immune cells have revealed a shift in the tumor microenvironment from an immune-tolerant state to an immune-activated state. Our findings suggest that combination therapy with ICIs and aCD40 is a promising treatment strategy for patients with PDAC.