Fig. 6: The RANK pathway as immune modulator in breast cancer. | Nature Communications

Fig. 6: The RANK pathway as immune modulator in breast cancer.

From: Inhibition of RANK signaling in breast cancer induces an anti-tumor immune response orchestrated by CD8+ T cells

Fig. 6

RANK expression in luminal breast cancer cells leads to the expression of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines favoring recruitment of TAMs and TANs, immunosuppressive population that interfere with lymphocyte T-cell recruitment and/or activity. Denosumab (anti-RANKL) or RANK signaling inhibition results in increased TILs, lymphocytes, and CD8+ T-cell infiltration, transforming immune “cold” tumors into “hot” ones and attenuating tumor growth. Eventually, the exacerbated immune response driven by RANK inhibition will induce the expression of immune checkpoints evading immune surveillance and allowing tumor growth. These results support the benefit of combining RANKL and immune-checkpoint inhibitors in luminal breast cancer.

Back to article page