Journal: Nature
This study demonstrates that mRNA vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 can sensitize tumors to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) by increasing type I interferon production. This process activates innate immune cells and primes CD8 T cells against tumor-associated antigens.
Key findings include:
- Preclinical models: The effect requires concurrent ICI treatment, particularly in immunologically cold tumors that upregulate PD-L1 in response.
- Clinical data: Enhanced immune activation and improved survival outcomes were observed in patients receiving SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines within 100 days of starting ICI therapy.
These results suggest that widely available mRNA vaccines, even those targeting non-cancer antigens, can serve as effective immune modulators to improve ICI efficacy.