Cowpea Mosaic Virus and Natural Killer Cell Agonism for in Situ Cancer Vaccination

We have previously shown the plant virus Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) to be an efficacious in situ cancer vaccine, providing elimination of tumors and tumor-specific immune memory. Additionally, we have shown that CPMV recruits Natural Killer (NK) cells within the tumor microenvironment. Here we aimed to determine whether a combination of CPMV and anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibody agonist to stimulate tumor-resident and CPMV-recruited NK cells is an effective dual therapy approach to improve NK cell function and in situ cancer vaccination efficacy. Using murine models of metastatic colon carcinomatosis and intradermal melanoma, intratumorally administered CPMV + anti-4-1BB dual therapy provided a robust antitumor response, improved elimination of primary tumors, and reduced mortality compared to CPMV and anti-4-1BB monotherapies. Additionally, on tumor rechallenge there was significant delay/prevention of tumor development and improved survival, highlighting that the CPMV + anti-4-1BB dual therapy enables potent and durable antitumor efficacy. © 2022 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.