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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
β-D-Glucose-Reduced Silver Nanoparticles Remodel the Tumor Microenvironment in a Murine Model of Triple-Negative
Pedro Félix-Piña1, Moisés Armides Franco Molina1, Paola Leonor García Coronado1
1Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza 66455, Mexico.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer worldwide and the second cause of death in women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive, and due to the lack of specific targets, it is considered the most challenging subtype to treat and the subtype with the worst prognosis. The present study aims to determine the antitumor effect of beta-D-glucose-reduced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-G) in a murine model of TNBC, as well as to study its effect on the tumor microenvironment. In an airbag model with 4T1 tumor cell implantation, the administration of AgNPs-G or doxorubicin showed antitumoral activity. Using immunohistochemistry it was demonstrated that treatment with AgNPs-G decreased the expression of PCNA, IDO, and GAL-3 and increased the expression of Caspase-3. In the tumor microenvironment, the treatment increased the percentage of memory T cells and innate effector cells and decreased CD4+ cells and regulatory T cells. There was also an increase in the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6, while TNF-α was increased in serum. In conclusion, we suggest that AgNPs-G treatment has an antitumor effect that is demonstrated by its ability to remodel the tumor microenvironment in mice with TNBC.
Insights
Beta-D-glucose-reduced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-G) show antitumor effects against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in mice. AgNPs-G treatment modulated the tumor microenvironment, offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Immunology
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with poor prognosis due to limited targeted therapies.
- Developing novel therapeutic strategies for TNBC is a critical unmet need in cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antitumor efficacy of beta-D-glucose-reduced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-G) in a TNBC mouse model.
- To investigate the impact of AgNPs-G on the tumor microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- A murine model of TNBC (4T1 cell implantation) was used.
- AgNPs-G and doxorubicin were administered, and antitumor activity was assessed.
- Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were employed to analyze tumor markers and immune cell populations.
- Cytokine levels (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6) in tumor and serum were measured.
Main Results:
- AgNPs-G demonstrated significant antitumor activity, comparable to doxorubicin.
- Treatment with AgNPs-G reduced proliferation markers (PCNA, IDO, GAL-3) and increased apoptosis (Caspase-3).
- AgNPs-G modulated the tumor microenvironment by increasing memory T cells and innate effector cells while decreasing regulatory T cells and CD4+ cells.
- Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6) were observed in the tumor and serum.
Conclusions:
- Beta-D-glucose-reduced silver nanoparticles exhibit potent antitumor effects in a TNBC mouse model.
- AgNPs-G treatment effectively remodels the tumor microenvironment, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for TNBC.
