Figure 4.
CAd-Derived CD44v6.BiTE Induces Early Activation of HER2.CAR T Cells and Enhances Their Anti-tumor Effects in an Orthotopic HNSCC Model
(A) FaDu cells expressing ffLuc were transplanted into the tongues of NSG mice. A total of 1 × 108 vp of CAdDuo or CAdTrio (Onc:HD = 1:20) were injected into the tongue. A total of 0.2 × 106 HER2.CARTs were systemically administered 3 days post-injection of CAds. Bioluminescence of FaDu cells was monitored at different time points (n = 5 per group). Data are presented as means ± SD. ∗p = 0.002. (B) To monitor tumor growth (n = 5) and HER2.CART persistence (n = 5), serum samples were collected from mice at 0, 3, 10, 24, 45, 66, and 87 days post-injection of CAd, and IFNγ and IL-12p70 levels in serum were measured by ELISA. Data are presented as means ± SD. ∗p < 0.001. (C) T cells were isolated from tongue and lymph node sites at 8 and 105 days post-infusion of HER2.CARTs, and HER2.CAR, CD25, and PD-1 expression were analyzed by flow cytometry. (D) Kaplan-Meier survival curve after CAdDuo or CAdTrio administration in mice (n = 5–10). Data are presented as means ± SD. ∗p < 0.01.