Integrative transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular events underlying impaired T-cell responses in EGFR-mutant lung cancer.
Sci Rep
; 14(1): 18366, 2024 08 07.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39112565
ABSTRACT
EGFR mutations are critical oncogenic drivers in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the mechanisms by which they impact the tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor immunity are unclear. Furthermore, the reasons underlying the poor response of EGFR-mutant (EGFR-MU) LUADs to immunotherapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are unknown. Utilizing single-cell RNA (sc-RNA) and bulk RNA sequencing datasets, we conducted high-dimensional weighted gene coexpression network analysis to identify key genes and immune-related pathways contributing to the immunosuppressive TME. EGFR-MU cancer cells downregulated MHC class I genes to evade CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, expressed substantial levels of MHC class II molecules, and engaged with CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). EGFR-MU tumors may recruit Tregs primarily through the CCL17/CCL22/CCR4 axis, leading to a Treg-enriched TME. High levels of MHC class II-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor endothelial cells were found within EGFR-MU tumors. Owing to the absence of costimulatory factors, they may inhibit rather than activate the tumor antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell response, contributing further to immune suppression. Multiplex immunohistochemistry analyses in a LUAD cohort confirmed increased expression of MHC class II molecules in cancer cells and fibroblasts in EGFR-MU tumors. Our research elucidates the highly immunosuppressive TME in EGFR-MU LUAD and suggests potential targets for effective immunotherapy.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Gene Expression Profiling
/
Tumor Microenvironment
/
ErbB Receptors
/
Lung Neoplasms
/
Mutation
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Sci Rep
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
China
Publication country:
ENGLAND
/
ESCOCIA
/
GB
/
GREAT BRITAIN
/
INGLATERRA
/
REINO UNIDO
/
SCOTLAND
/
UK
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UNITED KINGDOM