Nrf2 inhibition reverses the resistance of cisplatin-resistant head and neck cancer cells to artesunate-induced ferroptosis

Nrf2 inhibition attenuates artesunate resistance in cisplatin-resistance HNC cells. Artesunate (Arts) selectively kills HNCs but not normal cells via the induction of iron-dependent, ROS-mediated ferroptosis. However, Arts increased Nrf2 expression, which contributed to ferroptosis resistance. Thus, suppression of Nrf2 enhances ferroptosis and causes the death of resistant HNC cells.241