Investigation of the effects of immunization with recombinant heat shock -70 in a breast cancer model by molecular methods

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently observed tumors in women and female animals, contributing significantly to mortality rates. The incidence of breast cancer continues to rise, prompting intensified research on early diagnosis and treatment. These studies aim to achieve rapid diagnosis and focus on therapies with reduced side effects. Experimental tumor models are the most commonly used methods in breast cancer research. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) enhance the ability of cells to respond to stressful conditions, thereby promoting their survival. Tumor cells also produce these proteins to shield themselves from the host's immune response, with Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) being among the most extensively studied. HSP70 is a chaperone protein synthesized under stress conditions that ensures proper protein folding. Recent research has increasingly focused on the roles of HSP70 in breast cancer. This protein plays a critical role in enhancing the resistance and survival of cancer cells under stress. Elevated expression levels of HSP70 can contribute to cancer cells' resistance to therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Thus, understanding the effects of HSP70 on breast cancer is vital for identifying new therapeutic targets and developing treatment strategies. In this study, the immunization with recombinant heat shock-70 (HSP70) protein in a breast cancer model was examined using molecular methods. The study evaluated tumor growth, malignancy criteria, and metastasis potential in mice immunized with recombinant HSP70. The results indicated that HSP70 immunization significantly reduced cancer cell growth, malignancy criteria, and metastasis. Prophylactic or therapeutic application of HSP70 led to notable decreases in the immunohistochemical expression of markers important for tumor malignancy, such as HSP70, Ki-67, PCNA, and CD-31. PCR data supported these findings. The findings provide strong evidence that recombinant HSP70 can be used as an effective immunotherapeutic agent in breast cancer treatment. Further comprehensive studies in this area are needed.