[HTML][HTML] Combining type i interferons and 5-aza-2′-deoxycitidine to improve anti-tumor response against melanoma

V Lucarini, C Buccione, G Ziccheddu… - Journal of Investigative …, 2017 - Elsevier
V Lucarini, C Buccione, G Ziccheddu, F Peschiaroli, P Sestili, R Puglisi, G Mattia, C Zanetti…
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017Elsevier
Resistance to IFN-I–induced antineoplastic effects has been reported in many tumors and
arises, in part, from epigenetic silencing of IFN-stimulated genes by DNA methylation. We
hypothesized that restoration of IFN-stimulated genes by co-administration of the
demethylating drug 5-aza-2′-deoxycitidine (decitabine [DAC]) may enhance the
susceptibility to IFN-I–mediated antitumoral effects in melanoma. We show that combined
administration of IFN-I and DAC significantly inhibits the growth of murine and human …
Resistance to IFN-I–induced antineoplastic effects has been reported in many tumors and arises, in part, from epigenetic silencing of IFN-stimulated genes by DNA methylation. We hypothesized that restoration of IFN-stimulated genes by co-administration of the demethylating drug 5-aza-2′-deoxycitidine (decitabine [DAC]) may enhance the susceptibility to IFN-I–mediated antitumoral effects in melanoma. We show that combined administration of IFN-I and DAC significantly inhibits the growth of murine and human melanoma cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Compared with controls, DAC/IFN-I–treated melanoma cells exhibited reduced cell growth, augmented apoptosis, and diminished migration. Moreover, IFN-I and DAC synergized to suppress the growth of three-dimensional human melanoma spheroids, altering tumor architecture. These direct antitumor effects correlated with induction of the IFN-stimulated gene Mx1. In vivo, DAC/IFN-I significantly reduced melanoma growth via stimulation of adaptive immunity, promoting tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells while inhibiting the homing of immunosuppressive CD11b+ myeloid cells and regulatory T cells. Accordingly, exposure of human melanoma cells to DAC/IFN-I induced the recruitment of immune cells toward the tumor in a Matrigel (Corning Life Sciences, Kennebunkport, ME)-based microfluidic device. Our findings underscore a beneficial effect of DAC plus IFN-I combined treatment against melanoma through both direct and immune-mediated anti-tumor effects.
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