Targeting overexpressed surface proteins: A new strategy to manage the recalcitrant triple-negative breast cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive and lacks Estrogen, Progesterone, and HER2 receptors, limiting treatment options.
• Current TNBC treatments rely on chemotherapy and surgery, with limited success due to resistance.
• Nanoparticle-based active targeting shows greater potential than passive approaches for TNBC management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review overexpressed surface proteins on TNBC cells, including αVβ3 integrin, ICAM-1, GLUT5, MUC-1, and EGFR.
• To discuss challenges in preclinical development of targeted nanoformulations for TNBC.
• To explore ligand-conjugated nanoparticles for targeted therapy of TNBC.

Main Methods:

• Review of immunohistochemical analyses identifying TNBC surface protein expression.
• Analysis of challenges in nanoparticle internalization and preclinical translation.
• Discussion of ligand-based targeting strategies using aptamers, antibodies, and sugar molecules.

Main Results:

• TNBC cells overexpress specific surface proteins: αVβ3 integrin, ICAM-1, GLUT5, MUC-1, and EGFR.
• Ligands can target these overexpressed proteins, potentially improving treatment compliance.
• Successful translation of targeted nanoparticles faces preclinical and internalization challenges.

Conclusions:

• Targeting TNBC surface proteins with ligand-conjugated nanoparticles presents a viable strategy for improved therapeutic outcomes.
• Overcoming preclinical and translational challenges is crucial for the clinical success of targeted nanoformulations.
• Further research into ligand-receptor interactions and nanoparticle delivery systems is warranted.