Notch Shapes the Innate Immunophenotype in Breast Cancer

Notch activation, which is associated with basal-like breast cancer (BLBC), normally directs tissue patterning, suggesting that it may shape the tumor microenvironment. Here, we show that Notch in tumor cells regulates the expression of two powerful proinflammatory cytokines, IL1 beta and CCL2, and the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). Notch also regulates TGF beta-mediated activation of tumor cells by TAMs, closing a Notch-dependent paracrine signaling loop between these two cell types. We use a mouse model in which Notch can be regulated in spontaneous mammary carcinoma to confirm that IL1 beta and CCL2 production, and macrophage recruitment are Notch-dependent. In human disease, expression array analyses demonstrate a striking association between Notch activation, IL1 beta and CCL2 production, macrophage infiltration, and BLBC. These findings place Notch at the nexus of a vicious cycle of macrophage infiltration and amplified cytokine secretion and provide immunotherapeutic opportunities in BLBC. SIGNIFICANCE: BLBC is aggressive and has an unmetneed for effective targeted treatment. Our data highlight immunotherapeutic opportunities in Notch-activated BLBC. Effective IL1 beta and CCL2 antagonists are currently in clinical review to treat benign inflammatory disease, and their transition to the cancer clinic could have a rapid impact.