HBXIP upregulates CD46, CD55 and CD59 through ERK1/2/NF-κB signaling to protect breast cancer cells from complement attack

Hepatitis B X-interacting protein (HBXIP) is able to enhance migration of breast cancer cells. However, the role of HBXIP in regulation of complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) in breast cancer is not understood. Here, we report that HBXIP contributes to protecting breast cancer cells from CDC by upregulating membrane-bound complement regulatory protein (mCRPs), including CD46, CD55 and CD59. We found that HBXIP upregulated mCRPs through activating p-ERK1/2/NF-κB. Interestingly, the knockdown of CD59 was able to block the HBXIP-enhanced breast tumor growth in animal. Thus, we conclude that HBXIP upregulates CD46, CD55 and CD59 through p-ERK1/2/NF-κB signaling to protect breast cancer from CDC.