Stiripentol directly attenuates immunosuppression of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells to potentiate anti-PD-1 efficacy.

backgroundImmune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy demonstrates significant efficacy across multiple malignancies, yet resistance remains prevalent. Recent studies have repositioned the clinically approved antiepileptic drug stiripentol (STP) as a potent lactate dehydrogenase A inhibitor that effectively disrupts tumor metabolic reprogramming, thereby reinstating tumor control. Despite its promising antineoplastic activity, the direct impact of STP on immune cells and its potential synergy with anti-PD-1 antibodies remain unexplored.

methodsWe used an orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer model to evaluate whether STP remodels the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and enhances anti-PD-1 efficacy. Tumor growth was monitored, and immune cell profiles in tumors and blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. Lactate levels and chemokine expression in tumor tissue were also assessed. In vitro, the effects of STP on 4T1 cell proliferation and lactate secretion, bone marrow-derived myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) differentiation and suppressive function, and macrophage polarization were evaluated.

resultsThe combination of STP and anti-PD-1 synergistically suppressed 4T1 tumor growth, reduced the infiltration of immunosuppressive MDSCs and M2-like tumor-associated macrophages, and reactivated CD8⁺ T cells. STP inhibited 4T1 cell proliferation and lactate secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, STP directly reprogrammed MDSCs by inducing MHC II⁺ cell differentiation and attenuating their T cell suppressive capacity via downregulation of immunosuppressive genes. STP also drove M2-to-M1 macrophage repolarization. Importantly, STP exhibited no direct T cell-activating effects.

conclusionsOur work establishes STP as a potent remodeler of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that synergizes with anti-PD-1 therapy, providing a novel strategy to overcome ICB resistance.