Detailed Profiling of the Tumor Microenvironment in Ethnic Breast Cancer, Using Tissue Microarrays and Multiplex Immunofluorescence

• DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126501
• Publication Date: 2024-06-14T07:52:53Z
• Authors: Mohamed Zaakouk; Aisling Longworth; Kelly Hunter; Suhaib Jiman; Daniel Kearns; Mervat El-Deftar; Abeer M Shaaban
• Keywords: Multiplex

Breast cancer poses a global health challenge, yet the influence of ethnicity on tumor microenvironment (TME) remains understudied. In this investigation, we examined immune cell infiltration in 230 breast samples, emphasizing diverse ethnic populations. Leveraging tissue microarrays (TMAs) and core applied multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) to dissect subtypes across TME regions. Our analysis revealed distinct distribution patterns, particularly enriched aggressive molecular triple-negative HER2-positive tumors. We observed significant correlations between abundance key clinicopathological parameters, including size, lymph node involvement, patient overall survival. Notably, location within different regions showed varying with clinicopathologic parameters. Additionally, ethnicities exhibited distributions cells, certain showing higher compared others. TMA patients Chinese Caribbean origin displayed significantly lower numbers B TAMs, FOXP3-positive cells. These findings highlight intricate interplay cells progression, implications for personalized treatment strategies. Moving forward, integrating advanced imaging techniques, exploring heterogeneity cohorts can uncover novel signatures guide tailored immunotherapeutic interventions, ultimately improving management.