Aging-associated and CD4 T-cell-dependent ectopic CXCL13 activation predisposes to anti-PD-1 therapy-induced adverse events

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2022 Jul 19;119(29):e2205378119. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2205378119. Epub 2022 Jul 11.

Abstract

Clinical success of immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) cancer immunotherapy is compromised by increased risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). However, mechanistic action(s) of immune responses underlying development of irAE remain not fully explored. Here, we found that in tumor-bearing aged, but not young, mice, antiprogrammed death receptor (PD)-1 therapy elicited irAE-like multiorgan dysfunctions with ectopic accumulation of T and B cells in damaged organs. In this preclinical model, the organ toxicities were mediated by immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposition because administration of IG from ICB-treated aged mice induced the pathogenicity specifically in naïve aged hosts. Mechanistically, CD4 T-cell-derived interleukin (IL)-21 upregulated B-cell-homing chemokine, CXCL13, preferentially in irAE organs from aged mice treated with anti-PD-1 therapy. The ICB-induced pathogenicity was alleviated by B-cell depletion or by blockade of IL-21 or CXCL13 activity. These results suggest that age-associated immune regulatory milieu contributes to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structure-like lymphocytic aggregates in irAE organs and irAE-related toxicity employing IL-21-CXCL13-auto-antibody axis. Supporting this, a systemic increase in CXCL13 and Il21 expression in CD4 T cells correlated with irAE incidence in ICB-treated patients. These findings provide rationale for therapeutic usefulness of CXCL13 in irAE management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging* / immunology
  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes* / immunology
  • Chemokine CXCL13* / immunology
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / adverse effects
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Immune System Diseases* / etiology
  • Immunotherapy* / adverse effects
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor* / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Chemokine CXCL13
  • Cxcl13 protein, mouse
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor