Dual targeting CDK4/6 and CDK7 augments tumor response and anti-tumor immunity in breast cancer models

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Abstract

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have transformed the treatment landscape for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. However, their long-term efficacy is limited by acquired resistance, and CDK4/6i monotherapy remains ineffective in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here, we demonstrate that dual inhibition of CDK4/6 and CDK7 is a promising strategy to overcome therapeutic resistance in both HR+ and TNBC models. Kinetic analyses reveal that CDK7 inhibitors (CDK7i) primarily impair RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription rather than directly targeting cell-cycle CDKs. This transcriptional suppression attenuates E2F-driven transcriptional amplification, a key mechanism for developing CDK4/6i resistance following the degradation of the retinoblastoma protein. Consequently, combining CDK7i at minimal effective concentrations with CDK4/6i potently inhibits the growth of drug-resistant tumors. Furthermore, dual CDK4/6 and CDK7 inhibition stimulates immune-related signaling and cytokine production in cancer cells, promoting anti-tumor immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. These findings provide mechanistic insights into CDK inhibition and support the therapeutic potential of combining CDK7i with CDK4/6i for breast cancer treatment.

Authors

Sungsoo Kim, Eugene Son, Ha-Ram Park, Minah Kim, Hee Won Yang