Cell-Mediated Immunogenicity of Influenza Vaccination in Patients With Cancer Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Abstract

Background. We assessed cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses of influenza vaccination in patients with cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which remain elusive. Methods. Vaccine-elicited CMI responses in patients receiving ICIs or cytotoxic agents were investigated by flow cytometry. Polyfunctional cells were defined as T cells that express 2 or more of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), and CD107a. An adequate CMI response was defined as an increase of polyfunctional T cells against both H1N1 and H3N2 strains. Results. When comparing ICI (n = 11) and cytotoxic chemotherapy (n = 29) groups, H1N1-specific IL-4 or IFN-gamma-expressing CD4(+)T cells, IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma, or CD107a-expressing CD8(+) T cells, H3N2-specific IFN-gamma-expressing CD4(+) T cells, and CD107a-expressing CD8(+) T cells were more frequent in the ICI group. Fold changes in polyfunctional H3N2-specific CD4(+) (median, 156.0 vs 95.7; P =.005) and CD8(+) (155.0 vs 103.4; P =.044) T cells were greater in the ICI group. ICI administration was strongly associated with an adequate CMI response for both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells (P =.003). Conclusions. CMI responses following influenza vaccination were stronger in the ICI group than in the cytotoxic chemotherapy group. Influenza vaccination should be strongly recommended in patients with cancer receiving ICIs.