Methotrexate enhances antigen presentation and maturation of tumour antigen-loaded dendritic cells through NLRP3 inflammasome activation: a strategy for dendritic cell-based cancer vaccine.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that play a pivotal role in adaptive cell-mediated immunity by priming and activating T cells against specific tumour and pathogenic antigens. Methotrexate (MTX), a folate derivative, functions as an immunoregulatory agent. However, the possible effect of MTX on tumour antigen-loaded DCs has not yet been investigated. We analysed the effect of MTX on the maturation and function of DCs along with tumour cell lysates (TCLs). Using bone marrow-derived DCs, we investigated the effect of MTX combined TCL-loaded DCs on T cells priming and proliferation. We also tested the anti-tumour immune effect on DCs when treated with MTX and/or TCL in vivo. MTX combined with TCL not only enhanced DC maturation and stimulated cytokine release but also promoted CD8+ T cell activation and proliferation. The latter was associated with increased tumour antigen uptake and cross-presentation to T cells. Mechanistically, DC maturation and antigen presentation were partly modulated by NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, immunisation of mice with MTX and TCL-pulsed DCs before a tumour challenge significantly delayed tumour onset and retarded its growth. This protective effect was due to priming of IFN-γ releasing CD8+ T cells and enhanced killing of tumour cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes isolated from these immunised mice. MTX can function as a potent adjuvant in DC vaccines by increasing antigen presentation and T cell priming. Our findings provide a new strategy for the application of DC-based anti-tumour immunotherapy. © The Author(s), 2021.

Citation

Gao-Na Shi, Min Hu, Chengjuan Chen, Junmin Fu, Shuai Shao, Yu Zhou, Lei Wu, Tiantai Zhang. Methotrexate enhances antigen presentation and maturation of tumour antigen-loaded dendritic cells through NLRP3 inflammasome activation: a strategy for dendritic cell-based cancer vaccine. Therapeutic advances in medical oncology. 2021;13:1758835920987056

PMID: 33613696

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