CANNABINOIDS AND DERIVATIVES FOR PROMOTING IMMUNOGENICITY OF TUMOR AND INFECTED CELLS

This invention provides processes and compositions for enhancing the immunogenicity of tumor or infected cells by increasing expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I surface molecules. Tumor cells often circumvent immune recognition by reducing or eliminating MHC expression. The lack of MHC on their surface allows tumor cells to evade immune detection and enables uncontrolled growth. Similarly, certain viral or microbial infections result in MHC class I downregulation and the resulting immune evasion. With a unique reporter assay, we have determined that some cannabinoid compounds and structural analogs can increase MHC class I expression on tumor cells grown in cell culture. The increase of tumor and infected cell MHC class I expression will enable detection and destruction by cytotoxic T-lymphocyte cells. The process and compositions increase the immunogenicity of the target cells, e.g. tumor or infected cells, to enhance their destruction by cytotoxic lymphocytes. When administered in combination, such compositions may enhance the activity of immune-oncology and anti-infectious disease agents.