Targeted inhibition of CD47-SIRPα requires Fc-FcγR interactions to maximize activity in T-cell lymphomas.

Antibodies that bind CD47 on tumor cells and prevent interaction with SIRPα on phagocytes are active against multiple cancer types including T-cell lymphoma (TCL). Here we demonstrate that surface CD47 is heterogeneously expressed across primary TCLs, whereas major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, which can also suppress phagocytosis, is ubiquitous. Multiple monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block CD47-SIRPα interaction promoted phagocytosis of TCL cells, which was enhanced by cotreatment with antibodies targeting MHC class I. Expression levels of surface CD47 and genes that modulate CD47 pyroglutamation did not correlate with the extent of phagocytosis induced by CD47 blockade in TCL lines. In vivo treatment of multiple human TCL patient-derived xenografts or an immunocompetent murine TCL model with a short course of anti-CD47 mAb markedly reduced lymphoma burden and extended survival. Depletion of macrophages reduced efficacy in vivo, whereas depletion of neutrophils had no effect. F(ab')2-only fragments of anti-CD47 antibodies failed to induce phagocytosis by human macrophages, indicating a requirement for Fc-Fcγ receptor interactions. In contrast, F(ab')2-only fragments increased phagocytosis by murine macrophages independent of SLAMF7-Mac-1 interaction. Full-length anti-CD47 mAbs also induced phagocytosis by Fcγ receptor-deficient murine macrophages. An immunoglobulin G1 anti-CD47 mAb induced phagocytosis and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity of TCL cells that was augmented by cotreatment with mogamulizumab, an anti-CCR4 mAb, or a mAb blocking MHC class I. These studies help explain the disparate activity of monotherapy with agents that block CD47 in murine models compared with patients. They also have direct translational implications for the deployment of anti-CD47 mAbs alone or in combination.