METHOD FOR DETECTING OR TREATING TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER

Abstract

A method of detecting triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is provided. Overexpression of ICAM-1 is linked to an increased risk of TNBC. A composition of matter is also provided that binds an anti-ICAM-1 antibody to a nanoparticle. The composition may be used as an imaging agent and/or a therapeutic targeting agent. A therapeutically active molecule may be bound to the composition to provide targeted therapy.

Claims

1. A method of treating triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in a patient, the method comprising: (a) detecting a high risk of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in the patient, wherein the detecting comprises: (i) quantifying an expression level of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in a sample of human breast tissue of the patient; (ii) comparing the expression level to a predetermined standard level of ICAM-1 expression; and (iii) determining the patient has a high risk of triple negative breast cancer by finding the expression level is greater than the predetermined standard level of ICAM-1 expression; and (b) administering an anti-ICAM-1 antibody to the patient.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising a step of removing the sample of human breast tissue from a patient, the step of removing occurring prior to the step of quantifying.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the predetermined standard level of ICAM-1 expression is less than 325,000 molecules per cell.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the predetermined standard level of ICAM-1 expression is less than 100,000 molecules per cell.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of determining finds triple negative breast cancer when the expression level is at least five-fold greater than the predetermined standard level of ICAM-1 expression.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the predetermined standard level of ICAM-1 expression is less than 100,000 molecules per cell and the step of determining finds the high risk of triple negative breast cancer when the expression level is at least 500,000 molecules per cell.

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of determining finds triple negative breast cancer when the expression level is at least eight-fold greater than the predetermined standard level of ICAM-1 expression.

8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the predetermined standard level of ICAM-1 expression is less than 100,000 molecules per cell and the step of determining finds the high risk of triple negative breast cancer when the expression level is at least 800,000 molecules per cell.

9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step of determining finds the high risk of triple negative breast cancer when the expression level is at least eight-fold greater than the predetermined standard level of ICAM-1 expression.

10. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the predetermined standard level of ICAM-1 expression is less than 100,000 molecules per cell and the step of determining finds the high risk of triple negative breast cancer when the expression level is at least 1,000,000 molecules per cell.

11.-20. (canceled)

21. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein administering the anti-ICAM-1 antibody reduces TNBC cell migration in the patient.

22. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the anti-ICAM-1 antibody comprises a monoclonal antibody.

23. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the anti-ICAM-1 antibody comprises an antibody fragment.

24. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the patient is a human patient.

25. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the anti-ICAM antibody comprises enlimomab.

26. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the anti-ICAM-1 antibody is bound to a nanoparticle or a liposome.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] So that the manner in which the features of the invention can be understood, a detailed description of the invention may be had by reference to certain embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only certain embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the scope of the invention encompasses other equally effective embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis generally being placed upon illustrating the features of certain embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. Thus, for further understanding of the invention, reference can be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1A is gene expression analysis for eighty-four G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling genes;

[0012] FIG. 1B is a depiction of human triple negative breast cell (TNBC) tissue;

[0013] FIG. 1C is a depiction f human non-TNBC issues (ER+/PR+/HER2);

[0014] FIG. 1D depicts normal breast epithelium stained with an anti-human ICAM-1 antibody;

[0015] FIG. 1E is a depiction of human triple negative breast cell (TNBC) tissue;

[0016] FIG. 1F is a depiction of human non-TNBC tissues (ER+/PR+/HER2);

[0017] FIG. 1G depicts normal breast epithelium stained with an anti-human ICAM-1 antibody;

[0018] FIG. 1H is a graphic quantification of ICAM-1 staining intensities in different subtypes of breast cancers;

[0019] FIG. 1I graphically depicts relative ICAM-1 gene expression in TNBC and non-TNBC cells;

[0020] FIG. 2A is a table showing human TNBC, non-TNBC, and normal cell lines with their ICAM-1 and HER2 surface protein densities measured by FACS.

[0021] FIG. 2B is a table showing the characterization of as-synthesized IGIO, HEIO, and ICIO;

[0022] FIG. 3A is a schematic depiction of a magnetic iron oxide (IOs) nanoparticle conjugated with ICAM-1 antibodies (ICAM-IOs);

[0023] FIG. 3B is a transmission electron microscopy of the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles;

[0024] FIG. 3C is a graph depicting the relative binding of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to various cell lines;

[0025] FIG. 4A depicts magnetic resonance (MR) images of different magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles that bind to IGG, HER2, or ICAM-1, respectively;

[0026] FIG. 4B is a graph quantifying the increased MR signal resulting from the contrast provided by the respective magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles;

[0027] FIG. 4C shows comparative iron accumulation in seven organs harvested from mice at 48 h after a single tail vein administration of IGG-IOs, HER2-IOs, and ICAM-IOs;

[0028] FIG. 5A graphically depicts cell viability as a function of IgG and ICAM-1 antibody concentration after twenty-four hours for MDA-MB-231 cell lines;

[0029] FIG. 5B graphically depicts cell viability as a function of IgG and ICAM-1 antibody concentration after forty-eight hours for MDA-MB-231 cell lines;

[0030] FIG. 5C graphically depicts cell viability as a function of IgG and ICAM-1 antibody concentration after twenty-four hours for MDA-MB-436 cell lines;

[0031] FIG. 5D graphically depicts cell viability as a function of IgG and ICAM-1 antibody concentration after forty-eight hours for MDA-MB-436 cell lines;

[0032] FIG. 5E graphically depicts cell viability as a function of IgG and ICAM-1 antibody concentration after twenty-four hours for MDA-MB-157 cell lines;

[0033] FIG. 5F graphically depicts cell viability as a function of IgG and ICAM-1 antibody concentration after forty-eight hours for MDA-MB-157 cell lines;

[0034] FIG. 6A graphically depicts cytotoxicity effects of ICAM-IO in HS27 (human fibroblast) as a function of ICAM-IO concentration;

[0035] FIG. 6B graphically depicts cytotoxicity effects of U937 (human macrophages) as a function of ICAM-IO concentration;

[0036] FIG. 6C graphically depicts cytotoxicity effects of HUVEC (Human umbilical endothelial cells) as a function of ICAM-IO concentration; and

[0037] FIG. 7 is a graph showing a reduction in TNBC cell migration caused by ICAM-1 antibody relative to IgG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] This disclosure pertains to methods for detecting triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) utilizing intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as a target and biomarker, ICAM-1 serves as a TNBC therapeutic target that enables development of multiple types of TNBC-targeted treatments based on the high affinity ICAM-1 ligands (natural and designed) or antibodies targeting with TNBC tumors, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drag conjugates, liposomes and nanoparticles. The disclosed methods may be applied in TNBC-targeted treatments based on the overexpression of ICAM-1 in TNBC issues and cells and the ICAM-I's function in TNBC metastasis, which is involved with cell apoptosis. This disclosure also pertains to the overexpression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54) in human TNBC cell lines and tissues, and demonstrates that ICAM-1 is an effective TNBC biomarker for TNBC-targeted diagnosis and therapy.

[0039] Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) have high mortality owing to aggressive proliferation and metastasis and a lack of effective therapeutic options. TNBCs, which represent 15 to 20 percent of all breast cancers, occur more frequently in women under 50 years of age, African American women, and individuals carrying the breast cancer, early onset 1 (BRCA1) gene. TNBCs comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors with diverse histology and genetic make-up that share the common feature of low expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). TNBC patients therefore do not benefit from hormone or HER2 targeted therapies, leaving chemotherapy as a limited treatment option. As a result, the prognosis for TNBC patients remains poor. The 5-year survival rate of patients with TNBC is less than 74.5% in comparison with 87% for patients with HER2 positive breast cancer and over 90% for patients with ER positive breast cancer. While a novel targeted therapy using the overexpression of a specific cancer cell membrane molecule can facilitate the spatial and temporal delivery of therapeutics, there is yet no available therapeutic that can discriminate between TNBC cells and non-neoplastic cells.

[0040] ICAM-1 antibody conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles (ICAM-IOs) were synthesized as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe to evaluate tumor targeting. Quantitative analysis of TNBC cell surface expression predicted ICAM-IOs' targeting capability. The ICAM-IOs demonstrated significant targeting potential performing equal or better than human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) antibody conjugated Iron oxide nanoparticles (HER2-IOs) targeted to HER2 overexpressing cell lines.

[0041] To identify a TNBC target, screening was performed of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling proteinsthe largest family of cell-surface molecules involved in signal transmission. GPCRs are overexpressed in breast cancer. Malignant cells can usurp the functions of GPCRs to survive and proliferate, elude the immune system, expand the blood supply, colonize tissues, and spread to other organs, making them potential candidates as therapeutic and diagnostic targets for TNBC.

[0042] A real-time PCR array was used to obtain the expression profile of 84 genes involved in GPCR-mediated signal transduction pathways, including bioactive lipid receptors, metabotropic glutamate receptors, and proteins in the calcium signaling pathway, in three cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (TNBC), MCF7 (non-TNBC, ER+/PR/HER2), and MCF10A (a nonneoplastic, human mammary epithelial cell line) (as shown in Table 2).

[0043] FIG. 1A demonstrates a collection of 42 differentially expressed genes in MDA-MB-231 cells compared with MCF7 and MCF10A. The candidates were narrowed down to four genes: ICAM-1 (CD54), lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1), Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) based on their up-regulated levels relative to MCF7 and MCF10A cells and expression on cell membranes. LPAR1 and CCL2 are expressed in multiple cell types. LPAR1 exhibits high expression in smooth muscle cells, platelets, the spinal cord, and the hypothalamus. CCL2 is anchored or endothelial cells and is secreted by monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and osteoblasts. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are well-recognized biomarkers for inflammation. Unlike VCAM-1, ICAM-1 is expressed at low levels in normal tissues except the tonsil, adrenal gland, and spleen. ICAM-1 is present on endothelial cells at levels lower than TNBC cells (Table 1). Due to its specificity, ICAM-1 was chosen for further evaluation as a TNBC target. While the overexpression of ICAM-1 was not solely determinate of TNBC the high degree of correlation demonstrates overexpression of ICAM-1 is strongly linked to an increased risk of TNBC.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 ICAM-1 expression on HUVEC is experimentally lower than TNBC cells by flow cytometry measurement. ICAM-1 (molecules/cell) MDA-MB-231 2,350,000 25,000 MDA-MB-157 751,000 4400 MDA-MB-436 756,000 7,600 HUVEC 284,000 4,600 MCF10A 93,000 2,300

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1B to 1G, to validate that ICAM-1 is highly overexpressed in TNBC tumors, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied to 149 human breast tumor tissues representing different ER/PR/HER2 status. FIG. 1B and FIG. 1E depict human TNBC tissues. FIG. 1D and FIG. 1G are normal breast epithelium stained with an anti-human ICAM-1 antibody, FIG. 1C and FIG. 1F are non-TNBC tissues (ER+/PR+/HER2). ICAM-1 staining in TNBC tissues was stronger and in more cells (FIG. 1B and FIG. 1D) compared to non-TNBC tissues (FIG. 1C and FIG. F) and normal epithelium (FIG. 1D and G).

[0045] FIG. 1H is a graphic quantification of ICAM-1 staining intensities in different subtypes of breast cancers (status of ER/PR/HER2: +//+; /+/30 ; +//; +/+/; +/+/+; and // (TNBC)) and normal breast tissue. Data are presented as a box-and-whisker plot, *P<0.05; **P<0.001; ***P<0.0001 compared with TNBC tissues. TNBC exhibited a significant increase in ICAM-1 expression compared to various other subtypes of breast cancer and normal epithelium. The finding that ICAM-1 is overexpressed in 26 human TNBC tissues provided clinical evidence supporting ICAM-1 as a potential target for TNBC.

[0046] Because TNBCs are more prevalent in women under 50 years of age, African-American women, and individuals carrying the BRCA1 gene mutation, ICAM-1 levels were analyzed in seven breast cancer cell linesderived from patients of African American and Caucasian origin, ago spanning from 32 to 69 years, and wild type and mutant BRCA1 gene statusrelative to non-neoplastic, human mammary epithelial cells MCF10A and AG11132. As shown in FIG. 1I, TNBC cells: MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, and MDA-MB-157 exhibited 13.9, 11.6, and 9.9-fold higher ICAM-1 gene expression than MCF10A, respectively (even higher fold relative to AG1132), In non-TNBC cells, MCF7 and MDA-MB-361 showed elevated ICAM-1 gene expression relative to non-neoplastic cells, but at markedly lower levels than TNBC cells. ICAM-1 fold change is relative to GAPDH (*P<0.001), (J-R) are representative fluorescence microscope images of ICAM-1 immunofluorescent staining in MDA-MB-231.

[0047] Consistent with ICAM-1 gene expression levels, TNBC cells exhibited between 8 and 25-fold higher ICAM-1 surface protein levels than non-TNBCs and normal cells (FIG. 2A). When compared to the surface protein density of HER2, a clinical biomarker for breast cancer, the ICAM-1 surface protein density (751,000-2,350,000 molecules/cell) on TNBC cells was comparable to the HER2 surface density (875,000-5,020,000 molecules/cell) measured on HER2 positive breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-361 and SKBR3). Immunofluorescent staining of ICAM-1 overexpression in TNBC cells revealed greater ICAM-1 surface staining on TNBCs relative to non-TNBCs and non-neoplastic cells. Furthermore, ICAM-1 was largely localized on the TNBC cell membranes, suggesting it could be recognized and bound by targeted therapeutic agents. Based on the above results, ICAM-1 expression is not ubiquitous in all breast cancers. ICAM-1 is overexpressed on the surface of TNBC cells, and thus can be used as a biomarker for TNBC-targeted therapy.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3A, to test ICAM-1 targeting for TNBC, a TNBC-targeting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe was synthesized using magnetic iron oxide (IOs) nanoparticles conjugated with ICAM-1 antibodies (ICAM-IOs). ICAM-1 antibodies are covalently conjugated to casein coated IOs via EDC/NHS chemistry. Similarly, casein coated IOs were conjugated with Herceptin (humanized anti-HER2 antibody) (HER2-IO) or non-specific IgG (IGG-IOs) as controls for non-targeted delivery. The morphology and monodispersity of ICAM-IOs were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM, FIG. 3B) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). ICAM-IOs, with a core diameter of 15 nm, had a mean hydrodynamic radius of 36.65.6 nm and a zeta potential of 41.43.2 mV. The antibody density for ICAM-IO, IGG-IO, and HER2-IO was determined experimentally using FITC-labeled antibodies (FIG. 23). Approximately two or three antibody molecules were conjugated to each particle.

[0049] Effective targeting of TNBC cell via the ICAM-1 antibody was first evaluated in vitro by the binding and uptake of FITC-labeled ICAM-IOs, IGO-IOs, and HER2-IOs. Normalized fluorescent intensity data demonstrated that TNBC cells exhibited 2.4 to 4-fold greater binding to ICAM-IOs than IGG-IOs or HBR2-IOs due to the abundance of ICAM-1 expression (FIG. 3C). Quantitative analysis of ICAM-1 surface protein expression directly correlated with increased binding of ICAM-IOs. In comparison, HER2-IOs showed positive targeting to HER2 positive cells but failed to target TNBCs due to their HER2 deficiency. Using a Prussian blue staining assay to examine the presence of iron oxide, the strong and specific binding of ICAM-IOs to TNBC cells was confirmed compared to minimal binding to non-TNBC and normal cell lines. Analogous patterns of binding were observed between ICAM-IO and HER2-IO to both ICAM-1 and HBR2 overexpressing cell lines, respectively. These results indicate that ICAM-IOs exhibit ICAM-1 targeting activity and specificity.

[0050] The ability of ICAM-IOs for targeted imaging of TNBC tumors in vivo were examined by MR imaging using a xenograft TNBC mouse model. MDA-MB-231 cells were subcutaneously implanted in immunodeficient nude mice. MRI was performed on three groups of tumor bearing mice intravenously injected with IGG-IO, HER2-IO, or ICAM-IO when tumors reached 1 cm.sup.3 in volume. Each group was scanned at pre-injection and 24 h and 48 h post-injection with a set of MRI sequences, including T.sub.1, T.sub.2-weighted spin echo imaging, and T.sub.2 relaxometry. T.sub.2 weighted MR images presented in FIG. 4A show decreased signals in the regions of the tumor as the result of enhanced T.sub.2 contrast from uptake of IO probes in tumors. Quantification of MRI signals in three groups demonstrated a 10% (IGG-IO). 17% (HER2-IO), and 26% (ICAM-IO) signal drop at 24 h after administration of the probes, which lasted at least 48 h (FIG. 4B), ICAM-IOs significantly improved MRI contrast by actively targeting the TNBC tumor via ICAM-1 binding. It is worth noting that HER2-targeting MRI probes were reported to change the MRI signal by 18 to 46% in HER2 positive breast rumors, comparable to the ICAM-1 targeting MRI probe demonstrated in TNBC tumors in the current study.

[0051] The biodistribution and tumor accumulation of MRI probes were evaluated. FIG. 4C shows comparative iron accumulation in seven organs harvested from mice at 48 h after a single tail vein administration of IGG-IOs, HER2-IOs, and ICAM-IOs. Correlating with the in vivo MRI results, the iron accumulation of ICAM-IOs in TNBC tumors was 3.7- and 2.1-fold higher than that of IGG-IOs and HER2-IOs with reference to untreated tumors, respectively (FIG. 4C inset). To further confirm the targeting of ICAM-IOs to the tumor, the in vivo MRI results were corroborated with histology. TNBC tumor sections were stained with ICAM-1 antibody, HER2 antibody, hematoxylin and cosin (H&E), and Prussian blue. Consistent with the MRI findings, tumors from mice receiving ICAM-IOs showed a high level of ICAM-1 expression and strong Prussian blue staining of IOs. In contrast, Prussian blue staining was low in tumors receiving IGG-IOs or HER2-IOs. Low HER2 surface expression in TNBC tumors did not result in significant HER2-IO accumulation. Thus, results from the in vivo MRI experiments with ICAM-1 targeting ICAM-IOs suggest that the uptake of ICAM-IOs is driven by ICAM-1 expression on TNBCs.

[0052] It is noteworthy that the discovery of ICAM-1 as a TNBC biomarker reveals new functions of this well-characterized receptor, which can be utilized in clinical applications. The discovery that ICAM-1 is a promising TNBC target and biomarker may lead to an effective ICAM-1 targeting strategy for imaging end treatment of TNBC. Previous studies in wound healing, rheumatoid arthritis, and acute stroke demonstrated that enlimomab (anti-ICAM-1 antibody) was well tolerated by different patient groups, indicating that it may be safe and well tolerated in humans. Although in vitro the ICAM-1 antibody did not affect TNBC cell proliferation or cell viability (FIG 5A to FIG. 5F and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C), the ICAM-1 antibody was observed to significantly reduced TNBC cell migration (FIG. 7). ICAM-IOs are biologically nontoxic at test concentration of about 200 g per mL. It is known that an ICAM-1 antibody blockade resulted in ICAM-1 molecules lacking cytoplasmic tails that were not capable of activating Rbo proteins. Similar anti-tumor activity of the ICAM-1 antibody or siRNA was observed in several human cancers.

[0053] Molecular targeting agents that use ICAM-1 include: nanoparticles, including the aforementioned nanoparticles, small molecular inhibitors, antibodies and antibody fragments, engineered peptides and nucleic acids, antibody drug conjugates, nanoscale drug delivery systems (such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles), molecular imaging contrast enhancement reagents (MRI, PET, CT, Ultrasound, fluoresecent, and near-infrared imaging contrast enhancement reagents). Examples of suitable molecular inhibitors include ursolic acid; 4-[(4-methylphenyl)thio]thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxamide; (2E)-1-(4-acetyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-[4-[[2-(1-methylethyl)phenyl]thio]-3-nitrophenyl]-2-propen-1-one; and N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-5-methyl-1-[-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)]-2-thiazolyl]-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide.

[0054] In summary, this disclosure demonstrate the identification of ICAM-1 as an efficient TNBC therapeutic and diagnostic target based on the in vitro evaluation of its TNBC specific molecular profile and preclinical in vivo ICAM-1 targeted molecular MR imaging in a TNBC tumor model. The findings provide a rationale for further preclinical and clinical evaluation and development of ICAM-1 targeted treatments for TNBC.

Materials and Methods

[0055] 4% formaldehyde solution, human GPCR signaling pathwaytinder RT2 profiler PCR array (SABiosciences, cat #PAHS-071Z), RT.sup.2 first strand kit (SABiosciences, cat #C-03), RT.sup.2 SYBR green/fluorescein qPCR master mix (SABiosciences, cat. #PA-011), Qiagen RNeasy minikit were purchased from Qiagen (Valencia, CA, USA). Breast cancer tissue arrays (BR1503b, BR1505, and T088) were purchased from US Biomax (Rockville, MD, USA). Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), Quant-IT RNA Assay Kit, 0.25% trypsin/2.6 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution, Gibco Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), GibcoDMEM/F12(1:1) Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI)-1640 Medium, MeCoy-5A Medium were purchased from Invitrogen (Carlsbad, CA, USA). MEGM Mammary Epithelial Cell Growth Medium was purchased from Lonza (Allendale, NJ, USA)/Quantum Simply Cellular microbeads were purchased from Bangs Laboratory (Fishers, IN, USA). Mouse anti-human ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody (afCAM-1), immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotype control, and NorthernLight 557 (NL.557)-conjugated donkey anti-mouse IgG were purchased from R&D Systems (Minneapolis, MN, USA). Phyeoerythrio (PE)-conjugated mouse anti-human ICAM-1 antibody (PE- aCXCR4) and PE-conjugated mouse IgG isotype (PE-IgG) were purchased from BioLegend (San Diego, CA, USA). 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS), bovine serum albumin (BSA), anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC), Nanosep 300 k Omega centrifugal device were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). Lab-Tek II Chamber Slide System was obtained from Thermo Fisher Scientific (Pittsburgh, PA, USA). Fluorogel with tris buffer was purchased from Electron Microscopy Sciences (Hatfield, PA, USA). Activation Buffer and Coupling Buffer was purchased from Ocean Nanotech (Springdale, AR., USA).

PCR Array

[0056] Human GPCR signaling pathwayfinder RT2 profiler PCR array was utilized to screen possible TNBC targets in MDA-MB-231, MCF7, and MCF10A cells. First, each cell line was incubated at 310.sup.5 cells/well in 6-well cell culture plate overnight. 1 g RNA of each cell line was converted to cDNA using the RT.sup.2 first strand kit according to manufacturer's instructions. Diluted cDNA was added to the RT.sup.2 SYBR green/fluorescein qPCR master mix. Human GPCR signaling pathwayfinder RT2 profiler PCR array was loaded with 25 l/well of cDNA-master mix according to the PCR protocol provided by manufacturer. Results were analyzed using RT.sup.2 Profiler PCR Array Data Analysis Template v3.0.

Immunohistological Staining

[0057] 163 cases human breast cancer tissue microarray samples were evaluated for ICAM-1 expression. Immunohistochemical staining was performed by using paraffin-embedded human breast cancer tissue microarrays (BR1503B, BR1505, and T088 from US Biomax). The individual tissue cores in the microarrays were scored by a surgical pathologist, with no knowledge of sample identity, for no staining (0), weak staining (1), moderate staining (2), or strong staining (3). Photomicrographs were taken on an Olympus BX41 microscope by using an Olympus Q-color5 digital camera (Olympus America Inc, Chelmsford, MA).

Cell Culture

[0058] Three human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, and MDA-MB-157); four human non-TNBC cell lines (MCF7, HCC1500, SKBR3, and MDA-MB-361); and two non-neoplastic mammary epithelial cell lines (AG11132 and MCF10A) were studied. MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, and MDA-MB-157, MCF7, HCC1500, SKBR3, MDA-MB-361, and MCF10A were available through American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Manassas, VA, USA); AG11132 was obtained from Coriell Institute (Camden, NJ, USA). MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, MDA-MB-157, MCF7, MDA-MB-361 were cultured in DMEM Medium; HCC1500 in RPMI-1640 Medium, SKBR3 in McCoy-5A Medium; AG11132 in Mammary Epithelial Cell Basal Medium: MCF10A in DMEM/F12 (1:1) Medium, with each recommended supplements, respectively. All cells were maintained at 37 C. in a humidified incubator with 5% CO.sub.2.

Quantification of ICAM-1 Gene Expression

[0059] Gene expression level of ICAM-1 of breast cancer cell lines was characterized using qRT-PCR. MDA-MB-211, MDA-MB-436, MDA-MB-157, MCF7,HCC1500, MDA-MB-361, SKBR3, AG11132 and MCF10A cells were cultured at 3105 cells/well in 6-well cell culture plate overnight. Then, cells were removed from each well by incubating with a trypsin/EDTA solution for 3 min. The cells were washed with PBS 3 times. RNA was extracted, purified using the Qiagen RNeasy minikit, and quantified by SpectraMaxPlus 384 UV-Visible Spectrophotometer (Molecular Devices Corp, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Reverse transcription was conducted using the Applied Biosystems Taqman RT protocol. Detection and quantification of mRNA was performed by the StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems, Carlsbad, CA, USA). All PCR samples were referenced to the gene expression of Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH).

Quantification of ICAM-1 Surface Expression

[0060] Breast cancer cell ICAM-1 surface protein expression was evaluated by a BD FACSCalibur Flow Cytometer (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA). Quantification of the ICAM-1 density on the cell surface was determined with reference to Quantum Simply Cellular microbeads, using the protocol as provided by the manufacturer. Briefly, 106 cells were collected and rinsed twice through suspension-spin cycles. Cells were blocked by 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA) in PBS for 30 min in an ice bath. After BSA blockage, cells were incubated with PE-alCAM-1 antibody for 1 h at RT. Cells were rinsed with 1% BSA in PBS three times, resuspended in PBS, and evaluated by flow cytometry.

ICAM-1 Immunofluorescent Staining

[0061] MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, MDA-MB-157, MCF7, HCC1500, MDA-MB-361, SKBR3, AG11132 and MCF10A (2105 cells) were seeded in a Lab-Tek II Chamber Slide System separately with 2 mL medium overnight at 37 C. After medium was removed, cells were rinsed with PBS three times and fixed with 4% formaldehyde in PBS at RT for 10 min, and followed by washing with PBS. Then samples were blocked with 1% BSA in PBS for 30 min in an ice bath. After BSA blocking, samples were stained with alCAM-1 (primary antibody) for 1 h and rinsed with PBS. Samples were then incubated with NorthernLight 557 conjugated goat anti-mouse secondary antibody (NL557 Abs) for another 1 h followed by washing with PBS. DAPI was used to stain the cell nucleus. Immunofluorescent stained samples were dried overnight in the dark and used for fluorescent microscope imaging. Samples were examined under a Leica TCS SP5 confocal fluorescent microscope (Leica Microsystems, Buffalo Grove, IL, USA). Digital images were captured with Axio Vision digital image processing software.

Synthesis of ICAM-IO, HER2-IO and IGG-IO

[0062] Casein coated iron oxide nanoparticles (CNIO) were prepared as described previously [13] and stocked at a concentration of 5 mg/L, in PBS. 200 82 L stock CNIO solution (1 mg) was mixed with 200 L Activation Buffer (Ocean Nanotech, San Diego, CA), 50 g EDC and 25 g NHS for 20 min at RT. Then 100 g ICAM-1 antibody or HER2 antibody or the IgG control and 400 L Coupling Buffer (Ocean Nanotech, San Diego, CA) was added to CNIO solution and reacted for 2 h at RT with continuous mixing. As-synthesized ICAM-1-IOs or HER2-IOs or IGG-IOs were purified by ultra-centrifugation using Nanosep 300 k Omega centrifugal device.

Characterization of ICAM-IO

[0063] The morphology and size of ICAM-IO nanoparticles were studied using transmission electron microscope (TEM, Hitachi H-7500, accelerating voltage 75 kV). Typically, the TEM samples are prepared by dropping diluted nanoparticle solutions on the carbon coated copper grid and air-dried. The hydrodynamic size and surface charges of NPs in aqueous solution were evaluated using a dynamic light scattering (DLS) instrument (Malvern Zeta Sizer Nao S-90) equipped with a 22 mW He-Ne laser operating at 632.8 nm. PE-conjugated ICAM-IOs, or IGG-IOs, or HER2-IOs were also prepared to evaluate the antibody densities on obtained MRI probes. PE-conjugated IgG, or HER2 antibody, ICAM-1 antibody was used in the synthesis by replacing their non-flocrophore tagged forms, Other conditions were kept the same during the synthesis. Antibody density on each type of MRI probes was calculated by using a PE standard concentration curve.

In Vitro Nanoparticle Binding

[0064] FTIC conjugated ICAM-IOs, or IGG-IOs, or HER2-IOs (ICAM-IO-FITC, or IGG-IO-FITC, or HER2-FITC-IO) were prepared to evaluate their in vitro TNBC targeting by flow cytometry. FITC was first conjugated to the casein coated on CNIOs according to FITC manufacturer's protocol. Then obtained FITC-CNIOs were conjugated with IGG, or HER2 antibody or ICAM-1 antibody as described in ICAM-IO synthesis.

[0065] Quantitative analysis of ICAM-IO-FITC binding to TNBCs (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, MDA-MB-157) were conducted using flow cytometry. Non-TNBCs (MCF7, HCC1500, MDA-MB-361, and SKBR3) and non-neoplastic cells (AG11132 and MCF10A) were selected as controls. Cells were seeded in 6-well plates (3105 cells/well) and allowed to adhere overnight. Then cells were incubated for 4 h at 37 C. with (1) IGG-IO-FITC, (2) HER2-IO-FITC, and (3) ICAM-1-IO-FITC. The nanoparticle concentration used was 100 g/mL. All nanoparticle treated cells were washed with PBS, harvested using a 0.25% trypsin/2.6 mM EDTA solution, and washed with PBS (pH 7.4) three times. Binding data were acquired using a BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer and analyzed using FlowJo software. The increase binding value was calculated by dividing the mean fluorescence intensity of HER2-IO-FITC, or ICAM-1-IO-FITC stained cells by that of the non-specific IGG-IO-FITC stained cells.

Prussian Blue Staining

[0066] Nine cell lines (2105 cells) were seeded in a Lab-Tek II Chamber Slide System separately with 1 mL medium overnight at 37 C. After medium was removed, cells were rinsed with PBS three times and fixed with 4% formaldehyde in PBS at RT for 10 min, and followed by washing with PBS, then soaked into working solution composed of 10% potassium ferrocyanide (II) trihydrate and 20% HCl solution (v:v=1:1) at 37 C. for 4 hours. After washed with PBS, slices were counterstained with nuclear fast red for 5 min.

[0067] Blue dots represents the remained IONPs in organs were investigated with a Leica TCS SP5 confocal fluorescent microscope (Leica Microsystems, Buffalo Grove, IL).

In Vivo MRI

[0068] Subcutaneous breast tumors were established by injecting 5106 MDA-MB-231 cells into the fourth mammary fat pad of Nude mice (Charles River, Wilmington, MA) with n=5 for each group. Tumors were well developed for 5-7 weeks until the tumors were at least 200 mm3 in volume. In vivo MRI was performed on the tumor-bearing mice in three groups, which injected intravenously with IGG-IO, HER2-IO and ICAM-IO (at the dosage of 20 mg Fe/kg mouse weight), respectively, Images were obtained at pre- and 24 h post-injection using a 3 T MRI scanner (Siemens Healthcare (Malvern, PA, USA) with fast spin echo and multi-TE sequence for T2-weighted MRI. The imaging parameters included: TR of 3200 ms, TE of 86 ms, matrix of 320128, field of view (FOV) of 12060 mm2. flip angle of 150, and slice thickness of 1.00 mm for T2-weighted imaging: TR of 3710 ms and 20 different TEs, starting at 12 ms with increments of 12 ms for multi-TE imaging. To quantity the signal intensity for tumor, ROIs were drawn around the whole tumor at the same slice with the same imaging depth. The pixel intensity was calculated and normalized to the area of ROIs by ImageJ software. The organs (liver, spleen, kidney, lung, heart, and muscle) and tumor samples Were collected at 48 h after injection. Phenanthroline colorimetric method was used to determine the iron concentration in organs after the organs were digested in concentrated HNO3. Pathologies of MDA-MB-231 tumors with IGG-IO, or HER2-IO, or ICAM-IO were investigated by Hematoxylin&eosin (H&B) staining, Prussian blue staining, ICAM-1 and HER2 immunohistological staining. All staining were performed for the tumor slices following the standard protocol.

Statistical Analysis

[0069] Quantitative data are presented as meansstandard deviation. Differences were compared using unpaired t-test. When P-value were 0.05 or less, differences were considered statistically significant.

[0070] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 List of gene symbols. Symbol Description ADCY5 Adenylate cyclase 5 ADORA2A Adenosine A2a receptor ADRB1 Adrenergic, beta-1-, receptor ADRB2 Adrenergic, beta-2-, receptor, surface AGT Angiotensinogen (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 8) AGTR1 Angiotensin II receptor, type 1 AGTR2 Angiotensin II receptor, type 2 AGTRAP Angiotensin II receptor-associated protein AKT1 V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 ARRB1 Arrestin, beta 1 ARRB2 Arrestin, beta 2 BAI1 Brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1 BCL2 B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 BCL2L1 BCL2-like 1 CALCR CALCITONIN RECEPTOR CALCRL Calcitonin receptor-like CASR Calcium-sensing receptor CCL2 Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 CCL4 Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 CCND1 Cyclin D1 CCNE1 Cyclin E1 CCNE2 Cyclin E2 CDKN1A Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21, Cip1) CDKN1B Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27, Kip1) CFLAR CASP8 and FADD-like apoptosis regulator COL1A1 Collagen, type 1, alpha 1 CRHR1 Corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 CRHR2 Corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 2 CTGF Connective tissue growth factor CYP19A1 Cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 DRD1 Dopamine receptor D1 DRD2 Dopamine receptor D2 DUSP14 Dual specificity phosphatase 14 S1PR1 Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 LPAR1 Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 S1PR3 Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 LPAR2 Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 2 S1PR2 Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 EDN1 Endothelin 1 EGR1 Early growth response 1 ELK1 ELK1, member of ETS oncogene family ELK4 ELK4, ETS-domain protein (SRF accessory protein 1) FGF2 Fibroblast growth factor 2 (basic) FOS FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog GALR2 GALANIN RECEPTOR 2 GCGR Glucagon receptor GNAQ Guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein), q polypeptide GNAS GNAS complex locus GRM1 Glutamate receptor, metabotropic 1 GRM2 Glutamate receptor, metabotropic 2 GRM4 Glutamate receptor, metabotropic 4 GRM5 Glutamate receptor, metabotropic 5 GRM7 Glutamate receptor, metabotropic 7 ICAM1 Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 IL1B Interleukin 1, beta IL1R1 Interleukin 1 receptor, type I IL1R2 Interleukin 1 receptor, type II IL2 Interleukin 2 JUN Jun proto-oncogene JUNB Jun B proto-oncogene LHCGR Luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor MAX MYC associated factor X MMP9 Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (gelatinase B, 92 kDa gelatinase, 92 kDa type IV collagenase) MYC V-myc myclocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (avian) NOS2 Nitric oxide synthase 2, inducible OPRD1 Opioid receptor, delta 1 OPRK1 Opioid receptor, kappa 1 PDPK1 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase-1 PIK3CG Phosphinositide-3-kinase, catalytic, gamma polypeptide PRKCA Protein kinase C, alpha PTGDR Prostaglandin D2 receptor (DP) PTGS2 Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (prostaglandin G/H, synthase and cyclooxygenase) PTH1R Parathyroid hormone 1 receptor RGS2 Regulator of G-protein signaling 2, 24 kDa RHO Rhodopsin SCTR Secretin receptor SERPINE1 Serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E (nexin, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1), member 1 SOCS1 Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 TNF Tumor necrosis factor TSHR Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor UCP1 Uncoupling protein 1 (mitochondrial, proton carrier) VCAM1 Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 VEGFA Vascular endothelial growth factor A YWHAZ Tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5- monooxygenase activation protein, zeta polypeptide B2M Beta-2-microglobulin HPRT1 Hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 RPL13A Ribosomal protein L13a GAPDH Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase ACTB Actin, beta HGDC Human Genomic DNA Contamination RTC Reverse Transcription Control PPC Positive PCR Control