Fig. 4: WNT activity and expression of immune checkpoint markers in MBC.
From: Metaplastic breast cancers frequently express immune checkpoint markers FOXP3 and PD-L1
WNT activity was determined using β-catenin staining as a surrogate. a (i) β-catenin sub-cellular localisation is significantly different across the phenotypic elements of MBC (Chi squared P < 0.0001); a pie chart (ii) shows most MBC cases assessed had mixed regions of active and inactive signalling; and, (iii) shows representative cytoplasmic, membrane and nuclear staining. Kaplan–Meier curves assessing breast cancer-specific survival are shown in b for tumours with squamous elements; c spindles; and, d carcinoma; e shows membranous staining; f shows cytoplasmic staining and, g shows nuclear staining. The relationship between WNT pathway activity and PD-L1 tumour expression (h) and TILs expression (i) as assessed by a Chi squared analysis (P = 0.6367 and P = 0.0048, respectively). The relationship between WNT pathway activity and FOXP3 stromal TILS expression (j) and iTILs expression (k) as assessed by a Chi squared analysis (P = 0.0251 and P = 0.0567, respectively). CA carcinoma; SQ squamous; SP spindle; CH chondroid; neg negative; nuc nuclear; memb membrane; cyto cytoplasmic.
