Integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics reveals β-elemene’s immune and metabolic modulation in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents a significant challenge in women’s health due to its aggressive phenotype and the absence of targeted therapeutic options. β-Elemene, a sesquiterpene isolated from Curcuma wenyujin, has demonstrated clinical benefits against TNBC; however, its mechanisms of action, particularly with respect to the immune and metabolic tumor microenvironment, remain poorly characterized. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics to investigate how β-elemene reshapes the cellular and metabolic landscape of TNBC using a 4T1 orthotopic mouse model.

Our findings are expected to provide the first comprehensive elucidation of β-elemene’s dual immunomodulatory and metabolic effects in TNBC, highlighting the potential of natural compounds to enhance antitumor immunity.