Beta-glucan methods and compositions that affect the tumor microenvironment

Abstract

This disclosure relates to the combination of soluble β-glucan and immune suppression-relieving agents that affect the tumor microenvironment. Soluble β-glucan promotes an immunostimulatory environment, which allows enhanced effectiveness of anti-angiogenics, checkpoint inhibitors including non-tumor targeting antibodies.

1 . A method of treating a subject having cancer, the method comprising administering soluble β-glucan and nivolumab or pembrolizumab. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the cancer is melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, or lung cancer. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and B cell lymphoma. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the soluble β-glucan and nivolumab or pembrolizumab are in a single formulation. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the soluble β-glucan and nivolumab or pembrolizumab are in separate formulations. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the soluble β-glucan is derived from yeast. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the yeast is  Saccharomyces cerevisiae.    
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the soluble β-glucan stimulates the subject's immune system. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises administration of a tumor targeting antibody. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method does not include IL-2 administration. 
     
     
         16 . A method of stimulating a subject's immune system against cancer cells, the method comprising administering soluble β-glucan and nivolumab or pembrolizumab. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the immune stimulation comprises activation of M1 macrophages, N1 neutrophils, NK cells, T cells, B cells or dendritic cells. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the immune stimulation comprises activation of interleukin-12, interferon-γ, tumor-necrosis factor α, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         19 . A method of removing immune suppression in a tumor microenvironment, the method comprising administering soluble β-glucan and nivolumab or pembrolizumab. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the method comprises suppression of M2 macrophages, N2 neutrophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, or a combination thereof.