bioRxiv2026
Compared to other subtypes of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) have fewer treatment options and exhibit a worse prognosis. Through integrated transcriptomic, metabolomic, immunohistochemical, spatial, and clinical analyses, we identify the mitochondrial enzyme, -aminoadipate aminotransferase (AADAT) as a previously unrecognized metabolic immune checkpoint in TNBC. AADAT mRNA and protein were significantly upregulated in human TNBC, and high AADAT expression was associated with reduced intra-tumoral CD8 T-cell density and inferior survival. Genetic silencing of AADAT in orthotopic murine TNBC models curtailed primary tumor growth and distant metastasis in a CD8 T-cell-dependent manner, enhanced effector T-cell activation, and sensitized tumors to dual PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade. Mechanistically, unbiased metabolomics showed increased malate levels after AADAT knockdown. Additionally, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate, an essential precursor for coenzyme Q10(CoQ10) biosynthesis, decreased following AADAT knockdown, suggesting an impaired mitochondrial electron transport chain. CoQ10 supplementation restored metabolic balance and reversed malate accumulation caused by AADAT knockdown, indicating that AADAT helps maintain CoQ10-supported redox homeostasis, thereby preventing malate buildup and export. Notably, malate addition directly boosted CD8 T-cell oxidative metabolism, increased the NAD/NADH ratio and reactive oxygen species, and augmented TNF- and IFN-{gamma} production. In vivo, malate supplementation in drinking water phenocopied AADAT knockdown, restored the response to paclitaxel plus anti-PD-1 therapy in multiple independent syngeneic TNBC models with de novo or acquired resistance to immunotherapy, reduced tumor burden, and prolonged survival. In patient cohorts, higher spatially clustered intra-tumoral malate is associated with co-localization of functional CD8 T cells, decreased exhausted T-cell neighborhoods, and superior post-chemotherapy outcomes. These data position AADAT as a central metabolic orchestrator of immune escape in TNBC and nominate oral malate as a readily translatable adjuvant to reverse chemo-immunotherapy resistance in TNBC. Statement of SignificanceAADAT defines a metabolic-immune axis driving immune evasion and therapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Blocking AADAT or administering oral malate reactivates CD8 T-cell immunity and sensitizes chemo-immunotherapy-resistant tumors to these agents. These findings uncover a readily translatable metabolic vulnerability with potential to improve outcomes for patients with aggressive breast cancer subtypes.