Introduction:
The role of P2X7 in the progression of breast cancer remains unclear; hence, it is necessary to investigate whether the P2X7/NLRP3/caspase 1 signalling pathway is associated with the development of breast cancer.

Material and methods:
4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice models were developed for P2X7 agonists BzATP and antagonists BBG. The weight of breast cancer tissue among groups was calculated and compared. The cancer tissue was observed by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the expression of P2X7, NLRP3, and caspase 1 was examined by immunofluorescence and western blot.

Results:
The tumour weight and the medullary lymphocytes in the BzATP group were significantly higher than those of the sham and control groups, but the tumour weight and the medullary lymphocytes in the BBG group were significantly lower than those of the sham, control, and BzATP groups. The number of positive P2X7 in the BzATP group was significantly higher than that of other groups, but BBG significantly reduced the number of P2X7. The relative expression level of P2X7 in the BzATP group was significantly higher than that of other groups, but the relative expression level of P2X7 in the BBG group was significantly lower than that of other breast cancer-bearing groups.

Conclusions:
The blocking of P2X7 can inhibit the growth of breast cancer in 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice via NLRP3/caspase 1 pathway. Future studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.