Intermittent MEK inhibition with GITR co-stimulation rescues T cell function for increased efficacy with CTLA-4 blockade in solid tumor models

MEK inhibitors (MEKis) have limited success with MAPK/ERK pathway dependent cancers due to various resistance mechanisms tumor cells can employ. CH5126766 (CKI27) is a novel inhibitor that binds to MEK and prevents release of RAF, reducing the relief of negative feedback commonly observed with other MEKis. We observed that CKI27 increased MHC expression on tumor cells and improved T cell mediated killing. Yet, CKI27 also decreased T cell proliferation, activation, and cytolytic activity by inhibiting the MAPK/ERK pathway that is activated downstream of T cell receptor signaling. Therefore, we aimed to balance the positive and negative immunomodulatory effects of MEKis for optimal combination with immunotherapy. Intermittent administration of CKI27 allowed T cells to partially recover and co-stimulation via GITR and OX-40 agonist antibodies completely alleviated inhibition of function. In Kras mutant lung and colon tumor mouse models, intermittent CKI27 and anti-GITR significantly decreased tumor growth and prolonged survival when further combined with CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade. Moreover, this triple combination increased CD8+ and CD4+ T cell proliferation, activation, and effector/memory subsets in the tumor draining lymph nodes and tumors and led to intra-tumoral Treg destabilization. These data, collectively, will allow for more informed decisions when optimizing combination regimens by overcoming resistance, reducing toxicity, and generating long-term immune responses.