Systemic IFN-I combined with topical TLR7/8 agonists promotes distant tumor suppression by c-Jun-dependent IL-12 expression in dendritic cells

Abstract Dendritic cell (DC) activation by pattern recognition receptors like Toll-like-receptors (TLRs) is crucial for cancer immunotherapies. Here, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the TLR7/8 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) in treating both local tumors and distant metastases. Administered orally, IMQ activates plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) to produce systemic type I interferons (IFN-I) required for TLR7/8 upregulation in DCs and macrophages, sensitizing them to topical IMQ treatment, which is essential for therapeutic efficacy. The mechanism involves c-Jun/AP-1 mediating TLR7/8 signaling in IFN-I-primed DCs, upregulating the pDC-recruiting chemokine CCL2 and the anti-angiogenic cytokine interleukin-12, which suppresses VEGF-A production leading to tumor necrosis and regression. Combining topical and systemic IMQ or IFN-I generates a CD8 + T cell-dependent response at metastatic sites, reinforced by PD-1 blockade, leading to long-lasting memory. Analysis of cohorts of patients with melanoma demonstrates DC-specific TLR7/8 upregulation by IFN-I, supporting the translational potential of combining systemic IFN-I and topical IMQ to improve immunotherapy of topically accessible tumors.