BRAF/MEK inhibition induces cell state transitions boosting immune checkpoint sensitivity in BRAF^V600E-mutant glioma.

Abstract

Resistance to v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) plus mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibition (BRAFi+MEKi) in BRAF^V600E-mutant gliomas drives rebound, progression, and high mortality, yet it remains poorly understood. This study addresses the urgent need to develop treatments for BRAFi+MEKi-resistant glioma using preclinical mouse models and patient-derived materials. BRAFi+MEKi reveals glioma plasticity by heightening cell state transitions along glial differentiation trajectories, giving rise to astrocyte- and immunomodulatory oligodendrocyte (OL)-like states. PD-L1 upregulation in OL-like cells links cell state transitions to immune evasion, possibly orchestrated by Galectin-3. BRAFi+MEKi induces interferon response signatures, tumor infiltration, and suppression of T cells. Combining BRAFi+MEKi with immune checkpoint inhibition enhances survival in a T cell-dependent manner, reinvigorates T cells, and outperforms individual or sequential therapies in mice. Elevated PD-L1 expression in BRAF-mutant versus BRAF-wild-type glioblastoma supports the rationale for PD-1 inhibition in patients. These findings underscore the potential of targeting glioma plasticity and highlight combination strategies to overcome therapy resistance in BRAF^V600E-mutant high-grade glioma.