Development and Characterization of a Luciferase Labeled, Syngeneic Murine Model of Ovarian Cancer

SIMPLE SUMMARY: We developed a new labeled mouse cell line to study ovarian cancer. The STOSE mouse cell line was engineered to express a luciferase label to enable real-time tumor monitoring by imaging. We characterized the growth of the cell line in mice and identified the immune cells within the formed tumors. We treated the mice with immunotherapy, which had no effect on tumor growth. Overall, the STOSE.M1 luc model closely resembles ovarian cancer in humans and will further aid in our understanding and treatment of this disease. ABSTRACT: Despite advances in surgery and targeted therapies, the prognosis for women with high-grade serous ovarian cancer remains poor. Moreover, unlike other cancers, immunotherapy has minimally impacted outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer. Progress in this regard has been hindered by the lack of relevant syngeneic ovarian cancer models to study tumor immunity and evaluate immunotherapies. To address this problem, we developed a luciferase labeled murine model of high-grade serous ovarian cancer, STOSE.M1 luc. We defined its growth characteristics, immune cell repertoire, and response to anti PD-L1 immunotherapy. As with human ovarian cancer, we demonstrated that this model is poorly sensitive to immune checkpoint modulators. By developing the STOSE.M1 luc model, it will be possible to probe the mechanisms underlying resistance to immunotherapies and evaluate new therapeutic approaches to treat ovarian cancer.