Tumor-associated MerTK promotes a pro-inflammatory microenvironment and enhances immune checkpoint inhibitor response in triple-negative breast cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with no targeted treatment modalities. Currently, combination chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy are options for many TNBC patients; however, their efficacy is limited. Understanding what makes TNBCs responsive to immune therapy is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Methods

We investigated the role of MerTK expression in TNBC using syngeneic and immunodeficient mouse models, human and murine cells lines, and human clinical samples. Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, RNA, multiplex ELISA, immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence analysis were used to probe the effects of MerTK expression on the tumor immune microenvironment.

Results

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SUBMITTER: Crossman BE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12086072 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature