S100A4 Is a Targetable Regulator of Immune Suppression in Glioblastoma
Thomas Wong, Jia-Shiun LeuiD, Maryam Faisal, Nourhan H AbdelfattahiD, Wei XiongiD, Fransisca LeonardiD, Yaqoob Ali, Dante Jimenez, Han Nhat Tran, Sung Yun JungiD, Sinem Gulnap, Reece Kang, Jose Maldonado, Zhiqiang AniD, Ningyan ZhangiD, Kyuson YuniD
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor that remains largely refractory to immunotherapy owing to a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we use mouse models of GBM to identify S100A4 as an actionable regulator of immune suppression and demonstrate that its inhibition converts GBM into an immunotherapy-responsive state. Genetic knockdown of S100a4 in glioma cells reprogrammed the GBM TME, enhancing CD8 T cell infiltration and effector function while promoting maturation of antigen-presenting cells. These changes translated into significant survival benefits across diverse molecular subtypes of GBM. Therapeutically, a novel S100A4/Transferrin Receptor (TfR) bispecific antibody phenocopied S100a4-KD and showed significant therapeutic efficacy, particularly in combination with PD-1 blockade. Notably, BsA+anti-PD1 combination treatment generated tertiary lymphoid-like structures in GBM. Together, these findings establish S100A4 as a targetable driver of immune evasion in GBM and provide a translational strategy for overcoming resistance to immunotherapy in this lethal disease.
02 /Specification & Classification
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