Active nanomaterials containing YAPTAZ reshape tumor immune microenvironment and enhance sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer to immunotherapy

Abstract

The present study designed a new type of active nanomaterials containing Yes-associated protein and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAPTAZ) to investigate its role in tumor immune microenvironment and treatment sensitivity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Three groups were established in this study, namely; blank control group (saline), YAPTAZ group and YAPTAZ-loaded active nanomaterial group. For in vitro assays, the functional role of active nanomaterials containing YAPTAZ in MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion was analyzed by MTT assay, flow cytometry, scratch test and Transwell assay, respectively. For in vivo assays, tumor xenotransplantation experiment was performed to observe the effect of active nanomaterials containing YAPTAZ on treatment of TNBC. Administration of active nanomaterials containing YAPTAZ decreased proliferation, invasion and migration of TNBC cells, and promoted apoptosis, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of TNBC cells to treatments. The active nanomaterials were characterized by large surface area, high dispersion, specific adhesion function, tumor affinity and adhesion, when prolonging drug’s circulation time. The findings from our study highlight the potential for targeted active nanomaterials containing YAPTAZ for TNBC treatment, providing a new interventional therapy for TNBC.