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Mass Cytometry Analysis of Systemic and Local Immune Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: April 25, 2025
305
Spatial maps of hepatocellular carcinoma transcriptomes reveal spatial expression patterns in tumor immune
Yue-Fan Wang1, Sheng-Xian Yuan2, Hui Jiang3
1The department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
Theranostics
|June 8, 2022
Summary
Spatial transcriptomics reveals distinct immune cell patterns in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Specific chemokines, CCL15, CCL19, and CCL21, influence tumor immunity and patient prognosis, offering new therapeutic targets for HCC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits complex immune microenvironments impacting patient outcomes.
- Understanding the spatial distribution of immune cells within the tumor is crucial for deciphering HCC heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intratumor heterogeneity and immune cell spatial expression patterns in HCC using spatial transcriptomics.
- To identify key molecules and their roles in shaping the HCC immune microenvironment and influencing prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Spatial transcriptomics sequencing (ST) on HCC specimens.
- Analysis of gene expression, cell cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, pseudo-time, and immune infiltration.
- In vitro and in vivo validation of chemokine functions (CCL15, CCL19, CCL21).
Main Results:
- 15 distinct subsets identified, revealing malignant phenotypes and intratumor heterogeneity.
- CCL15 promotes an immunosuppressive environment by recruiting M2 macrophages, correlating with poor HCC prognosis.
- CCL19 and CCL21 recruit T and B cells, inhibiting HCC growth and indicating good prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Spatial transcriptomics elucidates HCC intratumor heterogeneity and immune microenvironment dynamics.
- Key chemokines (CCL15, CCL19, CCL21) show distinct spatial patterns and clinical significance.
- Findings provide insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies for HCC.
