A positive feedback loop between BACH1 and IL-1β promotes the progression of HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

In this study, we identify BTB Domain and CNC Homolog 1 (BACH1) as a critical oncogenic regulator that is upregulated in HPV-negative HNSCC. We demonstrate that BACH1 promotes tumor progression by enhancing the proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis of cancer cells.

Mechanistically, BACH1 is associated with the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex and transcriptionally activates downstream target genes, including IL1B, thereby inducing a transcriptional reprogramming that promotes proliferation and resists apoptosis. Notably, BACH1-driven upregulation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) establishes a positive feedback loop that sustains oncogenic signaling. Pharmacological disruption of this axis using the IL-1 receptor antagonist Anakinra significantly attenuates tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.