SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines sensitize tumours to immune checkpoint blockade.

ABSTRACT: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) extend survival in many patients with cancer but are ineffective in patients without pre-existing immunity^1-9. Although personalized mRNA cancer vaccines sensitize tumours to ICIs by directing immune attacks against preselected antigens, personalized vaccines are limited by complex and time-intensive manufacturing processes^10-14. Here we show that mRNA vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 also sensitize tumours to ICIs. In preclinical models, SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines led to a substantial increase in type I interferon, enabling innate immune cells to prime CD8⁺ T cells that target tumour-associated antigens. Concomitant ICI treatment is required for maximal efficacy in immunologically cold tumours, which respond by increasing PD-

SUBMITTER: Grippin AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12611756 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature