Mimicry-based strategy between human and commensal antigens for the development of a new family of immune therapies for cancer.

Abstract

Background: Molecular mimicry between commensal bacterial antigens and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) has shown potential in enhancing antitumor immune responses. This study leveraged this concept using commensal bacterial antigens, termed OncoMimics, to induce TAA-derived peptide (TAAp)-specific cross-reactive cytotoxic T cells and improve the efficacy of peptide-based immunotherapies.

Methods: The discovery of OncoMimics primarily relied on a bioinformatics approach to identify commensal bacteria-derived peptide sequences mimicking TAAps. Several OncoMimics peptide (OMP) candidates were selected in silico based on multiple key parameters to assess their potential to elicit and ameliorate immune responses against TAAs. Selected OMPs were synthesized and tested for their affinity and stability on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in vitro and for their capacity to elicit cross-reactive OMP-specific/TAAp-specific CD8+T cell responses in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2-humanized mice, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and patients with cancer.

Results: Selected OMPs demonstrated superior HLA-A2 binding affinities and stabilities compared with homologous TAAps. Vaccination of HLA-A2-humanized mice with OMPs led to the expansion of OMP-specific CD8+T cells that recognize both OMPs and homologous TAAps, exhibiting cytotoxic capacities towards tumor antigens and resulting in tumor protection in a prophylactic setting. Using PBMCs from HLA-A2+healthy donors, we confirmed the ability of OMPs to elicit potent cross-reactive OMP-specific/TAAp-specific CD8⁺ T-cell responses. Interestingly, we observed a high prevalence of OMP-specific T cells across donors. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that OMP-stimulated human T cells specifically targeted and killed tumor cells loaded with OMPs or TAAps. Preliminary data from an ongoing clinical trial (NCT04116658) support these findings, indicating that OMPs elicit robust OMP-specific/TAAp-specific CD8+T cell responses in patients. Initial immunomonitoring data revealed sustained T-cell responses over time, with T cells maintaining a polyfunctional, cytotoxic and memory phenotype, which is critical for effective antitumor activity and long-term immune surveillance.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that leveraging naturally occurring commensal-derived antigens through OMPs could significantly remodel the tumor immune landscape, offering guidance for a promising strategy for cancer peptide-based immunotherapies.