17 Nov Activation of the STING Pathway Induces Tumor Immunity
MEDICALRESEARCH.COM INTERVIEW WITH:
DR. THOMAS W. DUBENSKY, Jr.
THOMAS W. DUBENSKY, JR., PH.D.
CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER
ADURO BIOTECH, INC.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: This presentation highlights findings from multiple preclinical models evaluating ADU-S100 (also known as MIW815), Aduro Biotech’s investigational STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) Pathway Activator immunotherapy. The company is developing ADU-S100 in partnership with Novartis.
ADU-S100 is a synthetic ‘off-the-shelf’ small molecule immune modulator that is designed to generate a response against a patient’s own unique set of cancer antigens. It does this through the activation of human STING. STING is generally expressed at high levels in immune cells, including dendritic cells. Once activated, the STING receptor initiates a profound innate immune response through multiple pathways, inducing the expression of a broad profile of cytokines, including interferons and chemokines. This subsequently leads to the development of a systemic tumor antigen-specific T-cell adaptive immune response.
We conducted preclinical studies in a variety of preclinical models to better understand the potential mechanism of action of ADU-S100 and its potential for treating a variety of cancer types, both within the immediate tumor environment, as well as throughout the body. Data from these preclinical studies suggest the following:
- Intratumoral injection of ADU-S100 activates the STING Pathway and induces both a durable local and systemic anti-tumor immune response as evidenced by induction of type I interferons (IFNs) and a CD8+ T-cell response.
- ADU-S100 is able to induce tumor-specific memory mediated by immune cells (e.g. T-cells and NK-cells) whereby the immune system is able to eliminate specific cancerous cells upon their reintroduction without further therapy.
- Combination of STING activation in the tumor microenvironment and an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor enhances antitumor efficacy activation of the STING pathway, resulting in the complete eradication of local and distal tumors.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: STING Pathway Activator technology holds incredible promise in the field of immunotherapy, for the treatment of various cancer types at various stages. This is a field to keep your eye on.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: These preclinical studies, which used a variety of models, suggest the potential application of ADU-S100 for the treatment of numerous cancer types. Looking ahead, we plan to augment clinical development of ADU-S100 to include combination trials with checkpoint inhibitors.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: Aduro, in partnership with Novartis, currently has a Phase 1 first-in-human dose escalation clinical study under way to evaluate the safety, tolerability and possible anti-tumor activity of ADU-S100 in patients with cutaneously-accessible advanced metastatic solid tumors or lymphomas. We look forward to advancing the clinical study of this promising technology with the aim of someday providing a new therapeutic treatment option to patients in need. To learn more about this Phase 1 study, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Presentation Title: Activation of the STING pathway to induce tumor immunity
Abstract presented at the: ESMO Immuno-Oncology 2016
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on November 17, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD