PD-L1 antibody enhanced β-glucan antitumor effects via blockade of the immune checkpoints in a melanoma model

This preclinical study tested beta-glucan together with an anti-PD-L1 antibody in a mouse melanoma model. Beta-glucan changed the activity of tumor-associated CD11b-positive immune cells and also increased PD-1/PD-L1-related signaling. The combined treatment produced greater tumor regression than either intervention alone and was accompanied by increased markers of T-cell and myeloid-cell activity in tumor tissue. The results support further investigation of checkpoint blockade combined with beta-glucan, but they come from cells and mice and do not establish efficacy, dosing, or safety in people.