Blockade of the Phagocytic Receptor MerTK on Tumor-Associated Macrophages Enhances P2X7R-Dependent STING Activation by Tumor-Derived cGAMP.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-18-2020

Publication Title

Immunity

Keywords

MerTK; P2X7R; STING; cGAS; cancer immunotherapy; efferocytosis; innate immunity; tumor-associated macrophage; type I IFN

Abstract

Clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages prevents excessive inflammation and supports immune tolerance. Here, we examined the effect of blocking apoptotic cell clearance on anti-tumor immune response. We generated an antibody that selectively inhibited efferocytosis by phagocytic receptor MerTK. Blockade of MerTK resulted in accumulation of apoptotic cells within tumors and triggered a type I interferon response. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with anti-MerTK antibody stimulated T cell activation and synergized with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 therapy. The anti-tumor effect induced by anti-MerTK treatment was lost in Sting

Clinical Institute

Cancer

Department

Earle A. Chiles Research Institute

Department

Oncology

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