The incidence rate of cutaneous melanoma has doubled since 1973, and is increasing more rapidly than any other cancer. FDA-approved targeted inhibitors and immune checkpoint therapies have high response rates in melanoma; however, both innate and acquired resistance remain significant issues. Strategies that combine targeted and immune therapy show promise; however, a comprehensive understanding of the crosstalk between cancer cells and immune cells is lacking. Our central hypothesis is that tumor intrinsic signaling modulates the anti-tumor immune response, and elucidation of pathways that drive these interactions can lead to novel therapeutic strategies. Through the successful completion of the following two aims, we will gain insight into tumor intrinsic signaling pathways that regulate anti-tumor immunity. In the F99 phase, we are investigating a novel regulation of the understudied immune checkpoint protein VISTA. VISTA is an inhibitory immune checkpoint primarily expressed on hematopoietic cells. In a novel finding, we observed that VISTA is expressed on melanoma cells in patient samples and in cell lines. Its tumor-specific expression promoted tumor initiation in vivo, associated with an increase in Foxp3+ CD4+ T regulatory cells (Tregs). We demonstrated that BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) treatment reduced VISTA expression, and BRAFi-induced upregulation of FOXD3 negatively regulated VISTA transcript levels. BRAF/MEK inhibitors are used clinically, which motivates us to further investigate the role of VISTA, a BRAF-FOXD3-regulated immune checkpoint protein, in modulating immune responses. In the first aim, we will test the hypothesis that tumor-expressed VISTA promotes Treg induction and enhances Treg suppressive function. Tregs can limit the efficacy of immunotherapy; thus, we will also test the hypothesis that tumor-specific expression of VISTA alters the response to PD-1 blockade. In the K00 phase, we will broadly investigate cancer cell signaling pathways that allow cells to evade immune detection during metastasis. Tumor cells employ various mechanisms to depart from the primary tumor site and colonize new organs. We hypothesize that tumor intrinsic signaling pathways play a critical role in immune evasion during metastasis.
In aim 2, we will use a CRISPR/Cas9 screen in a spontaneous metastasis model to identify genes that promote metastasis. We will compare results between immune competent and immune compromised models to determine genes that specifically promote metastasis when under pressure from the immune system. Completion of these studies will bring valuable insights into the complex interactions between tumor and immune cells. The training provided in both of these phases will build a solid foundation in cancer biology, tumor immunology, and metastasis, contributing towards the long-term goal of conducting research on tumor immunology as an academic principal investigator.
Melanoma is the leading cause of skin cancer related death and its incidence continues to rise. Despite the approval of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat melanoma, effective treatment options for metastatic disease remain an unmet need. In this proposal, we aim to better understand the crosstalk between tumor cell signaling pathways and immune cells in order to provide the preclinical basis for new therapeutic strategies.
