Poliovirus receptor-based chimeric antigen receptor T cells combined with NK-92 cells exert potent activity against glioblastoma

Background Poliovirus receptor interacts with 3 receptors: T-cell immunoglobulin immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif, CD96, and DNAX accessory molecule 1, which are predominantly expressed on T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Many solid tumors, including IDH wild-type glioblastoma, have been reported to overexpress poliovirus receptor, and this overexpression is associated with poor prognosis. However, there are no preclinical or clinical trials investigating the use of cell-based immunotherapies targeting poliovirus receptor in IDH wild-type glioblastoma.Methods We analyzed poliovirus receptor expression in transcriptome sequencing databases and specimens from IDH wild-type glioblastoma patients. We developed poliovirus receptor targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells using lentivirus. The antitumor activity of chimeric antigen receptor T cells was demonstrated in patient-derived glioma stem cells, intracranial and subcutaneous mouse xenograft models.Results We verified poliovirus receptor expression in primary glioma stem cells, surgical specimens from IDH wild-type glioblastoma patients, and organoids. Accordingly, we developed poliovirus receptor-based second-generation chimeric antigen receptor T cells. The antitumor activity of chimeric antigen receptor T cells was demonstrated in glioma stem cells and xenograft models. Tumor recurrence occurred in intracranial xenograft models because of antigen loss. The combinational therapy of tyrosine-based inhibitory motif extracellular domain-based chimeric antigen receptor T cells and NK-92 cells markedly suppressed tumor recurrence and prolonged survival.Conclusions Poliovirus receptor-based chimeric antigen receptor T cells were capable of killing glioma stem cells and suppressing tumor recurrence when combined with NK-92 cells.