Abstract:
Objective To investigate the effect of PIK3CA mutations on the tumor immune microenvironment in Luminal breast cancer and evaluate the potential of Alpelisib-loaded pH-responsive polymer micelles in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment.
Methods PIK3CA mutations in breast cancer were analyzed using bioinformatics tools. A mouse xenograft model of Luminal breast cancer harboring a PIK3CA mutation was established, and alterations in the tumor immune microenvironment were examined using mass cytometry (CyTOF). During the period from August 2004 to December 2008 in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, tissue biopsies of 62 Luminal breast cancer patients in the BRCA cohort were collected Study the relationship between PIK3CA mutations and tumor immune microenvironment at the organizational level. Alpelisib-loaded polymer micelles (Alpelisib@MSPM) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for therapeutic efficacy in Luminal breast cancer with PIK3CA mutations.
Results PIK3CA is one of the most frequently mutated genes in breast cancer, with the highest prevalence in Luminal subtypes. CyTOF analysis demonstrated that PIK3CA mutations contribute to a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment in xenografts. Multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry revealed that PIK3CA-mutated tumors exhibited more infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and less infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells. The synthesized Alpelisib-loaded pH-responsive polymer micelles had an average size of approximately 127 nm. Treatment with Alpelisib and Alpelisib@MSPM reduced tumor growth in mice with PIK3CA-mutated Luminal breast cancer. Notably, the proportion of MDSCs decreased, whereas CD8⁺ T cell infiltration increased significantly, with the more pronounced effect observed in the Alpelisib@MSPM treatment group.
Conclusions PIK3CA mutations drive the formation of a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment in Luminal breast cancer. Targeted Alpelisib delivery via pH-responsive polymer micelles significantly enhances therapeutic efficacy in PIK3CA-mutated breast cancer.