Tussilagone suppresses triple-negative breast cancer progression by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and enhancing anti-tumor immunity

BACKGROUND: As a highly aggressive form of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by significant metastatic potential, a lack of targeted therapies, and an unfavorable prognosis. Tussilagone (TUS), a bioactive sesquiterpene isolated from Tussilago farfara's medicinal herb, has shown anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, its potential role in TNBC treatment and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unexplored. METHODS: anti-tumor efficacy of TUS was investigated in a TNBC xenograft mouse model. RESULTS: studies demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition by TUS without inducing toxicity. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that TUS inhibited TNBC progression by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, reversing EMT, and modulating TIME. These findings support the potential of TUS as a promising therapeutic candidate for TNBC and underscore the need for further clinical investigation.