Armoring STEAP1 CAR T cells with IL-18 potentiates antitumor activity in Ewing sarcoma

Abstract

BackgroundEwing sarcoma (EwS) is a highly aggressive cancer driven by the EWS::FLI1 fusion oncoprotein affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. Six transmembrane epithelial antigen 1 (STEAP1) is a cell surface antigen transcriptionally controlled by EWS::FLI1 that is broadly expressed in EwS, positioning it as a rational immunotherapy target. However, translating CAR T therapy to solid tumors requires overcoming barriers to potency while maintaining safety. MethodsAnalyses of transcriptome and proteome data were performed to evaluate the effects of EWS::FLI1 perturbation on STEAP1 expression at the transcript and protein levels in EwS models. STEAP1 expression was validated in EwS patient tissues by immunohistochemistry. Second-generation STEAP1-BB{zeta} CAR T cells were tested in orthotopic and disseminated EwS xenograft models. To enhance antitumor activity, an IL-18-armored STEAP1 CAR was engineered. Dose-dependent therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated through measurement of tumor burden, survival, and observation for gross toxicities. ResultsSTEAP1 was expressed in [~]97% of primary EwS tumors and directly associated with EWS::FLI1 fusion protein expression in EwS cell lines. In orthotopic EwS models, STEAP1 CAR T cells induced complete tumor regression at 5 x 106 cells. In disseminated disease models, responses were dose-dependent with no evidence of antigen loss. Notably, IL-18 armored STEAP1 CAR T cells achieved complete responses in [~]80% of mice at a reduced dose of 106 cells without overt toxicity. ConclusionsThese data establish STEAP1 as a clinically relevant and highly expressed target in EwS and demonstrate that IL-18 armoring significantly improves CAR T cell efficacy by enhancing potency evident through antitumor activity at reduced cell dose. STEAP1 CAR T cells are currently under evaluation in a first-in-human phase 1/2 dose-escalation clinical trial for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (NCT06236139) and these studies support future clinical translation of STEAP1 CAR T cell therapy for relapsed/refractory EwS.