Together, these data indicate that unlike MerTK-negative 4T1 Vector tumors, MerTK-overexpressing TNBCs are highly sensitive to treatment with either αPD-L1 or αCTLA-4 therapeutic antibodies, demonstrated not only by complete and durable response in up to 90% of cases, but increased anti-tumor immune infiltration, heightened activation of effector cells, and evidence that the infiltrating effector cells are exhibiting anti-tumor responses. Here, MERTK is linked to neoplasm.