HDAC inhibitor regulates the tumor immune microenvironment via pyroptosis in triple negative breast cancer

Abstract Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of cell death, promotes the release of immunogenic substances and stimulates immune cell recruitment, a process, which could turn cold tumors into hot ones. Thus, instigating pyroptosis in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) serves as a viable method for restoring antitumor immunity. We analyzed the effects of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDACi) on TNBC cells using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 and colony formation assay. Apoptosis and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays were utilized to determine the form of cell death. The pyroptotic executor was validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Transcriptome was analyzed to investigate pyroptosis‐inducing mechanisms. A subcutaneously transplanted tumor model was generated in BALB/c mice to evaluate infiltration of immune cells. HDACi significantly diminished cell proliferation, and pyroptotic “balloon”‐like cells became apparent. HDACi led to an intra and extracellular material exchange, signified by the release of LDH and the uptake of propidium iodide. Among the gasdermin family, TNBC cells expressed maximum quantities of GSDME, and expression of GSDMA, GSDMB, and GSDME were augmented post HDACi treatment. Pyroptosis was instigated via the activation of the caspase 3‐GSDME pathway with the potential mechanisms being cell cycle arrest and altered intracellular REDOX balance due to aberrant glutathione metabolism. In vivo experiments demonstrated that HDACi can activate pyroptosis, limit tumor growth, and escalate CD8+ lymphocyte and CD11b+ cell infiltration along with an increased presence of granzyme B in tumors. HDACi can instigate pyroptosis in TNBC, promoting infiltration of immune cells and consequently intensifying the efficacy of anticancer immunity.