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Updated: Oct 27, 2025

Four-color Fluorescence Immunohistochemistry of T-cell Subpopulations in Archival Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Human Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Samples
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Four-color Fluorescence Immunohistochemistry of T-cell Subpopulations in Archival Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Human Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Samples

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Correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor pathway and immune microenvironment in head and neck squamous

Chao Zhu1, Liqun Gu2, Zelong Liu3

  • 1Department of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.

BMC Cancer
|July 21, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The VEGF signaling pathway correlates with immune cell infiltration and prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Combining anti-VEGF agents with immunotherapy may improve HNSCC treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Immunotherapy is vital in oncology but shows limited efficacy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
  • The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) pathway regulates tumor angiogenesis.
  • Combining immunotherapy with anti-angiogenic therapy is a potential strategy to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between the VEGF signaling pathway and the tumor immune microenvironment in HNSCC.
  • To explore the relationship between VEGF signaling and immune cell infiltration, gene expression, and patient prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized RNA sequencing and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for HNSCC patients.
  • Analyzed immune cell infiltration, immune-related gene expression profiles, and immune-related biological pathways.
  • Performed functional enrichment analysis on differentially expressed genes.

Main Results:

  • The VEGF signaling pathway positively correlates with immune cell infiltration in HNSCC.
  • VEGF signaling is associated with immune-related gene expression profiles and improved patient prognosis.
  • Enrichment analysis revealed multiple immune-related biological processes linked to VEGF pathway activity.

Conclusions:

  • The VEGF signaling pathway is a significant factor in the HNSCC tumor immune microenvironment.
  • Combining anti-VEGF agents with immunotherapy, like immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), may offer therapeutic benefits for HNSCC patients.
Keywords:
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomaImmune microenvironmentImmunotherapyVascular endothelial growth factor

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