Mast cell-based molecular subtypes and signature associated with clinical outcome in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma

Mast cells are a major component of the immune microenvironment in tumour tissues and modulate tumour progression by releasing pro-tumorigenic and antitumorigenic molecules. Regarding the impact of mast cells on the outcomes of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patient, several published studies have shown contradictory results. Here, we aimed at elucidating the role of mast cells in early-stage LUAD. We found that high mast cell abundance was correlated with prolonged survival in early-stage LUAD patients. The mast cell-related gene signature and gene mutation data sets were used to stratify early-stage LUAD patients into two molecular subtypes (subtype 1 and subtype 2). The neural network-based framework constructed with the mast cell-related signature showed high accuracy in predicting response to immunotherapy. Importantly, the prognostic mast cell-related signature predicted the survival probability and the potential relationship between TP53 mutation, c-MYC activation and mast cell activities. The meta-analysis confirmed the prognostic value of the mast cell-related gene signature. In summary, this study might improve our understanding of the role of mast cells in early-stage LUAD and aid in the development of immunotherapy and personalized treatments for early-stage LUAD patients.