CD103⁺ cDC1 Dendritic Cell Vaccine Therapy for Osteosarcoma Lung Metastases

We generated a CD103⁺DC vaccine using K7M3 OS cell lysates (cDCV) and investigated its ability to induce regression of primary tumors, established lung metastases, and a systemic immune response.

A bilateral tumor model was used to assess cDCV therapy efficacy and systemic immunity induction. K7M3 cells were injected into mice bilaterally. Right-sided tumors received PBS (control) or cDCV. Left-sided tumors were untreated. Tumor growth was compared between the vaccine-treated and untreated tumor on the contralateral side and compared to the control group. The immune cell profiles of the tumors, and tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLNs) and spleen were evaluated. To determine the efficacy of systemic cDCV therapy against established lung metastases, K7M3 cells were injected intratibially. Leg amputation was performed 5 weeks later. Mice were treated intravenously with PBS or cDCV and euthanized 6 weeks later. Lungs, TdLNs and spleen were collected. The number and size of the lung nodules were quantified. The immune cell profile of tumor, and lymph nodes and spleen were also evaluated. Using this same model, we evaluated the effect of cDCV + anti-CTLA-4.

cDCV therapy inhibited the treated and untreated tumors and increased the number of T-cells in these tumors and the lymph nodes compared to control-treated mice. Systemic cDCV therapy administered following amputation decreased the size and number of lung metastases, and increased T-cell numbers in the tumor and lymph nodes. Combining anti-CTLA-4 with cDCV therapy increased cDCV efficacy against lung metastases.

Intratumor cDCV generated a systemic immune response inhibiting the growth of both the treated and untreated tumors, with increased T-cells in the tumor and lymph nodes. Systemic cDCV was effective against established lung metastases. Efficacy was increased by anti-CTLA4. cDCVs may provide a novel therapeutic approach for relapsed/metastatic OS patients.