Induction of potent systemic anti-melanoma immunity through intratumoral CD40 activation and checkpoint blockade

Purpose Agonistic CD40 antibodies generate strong tumor specific CD8 T cell response and anti-tumor activity; however systemic anti-CD40 therapy has been associated with cytokine release syndrome and liver toxicity. We studied the anti-melanoma activity and mechanism of action of a recombinant adenovirus expressing a stabilized version of CD40L (rAd.CD40L) by local intratumoral delivery approach to treat metastatic melanoma.