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Pyroptosis correlates with tumor immunity and prognosis
Xiaoying Lou1, Kexin Li1, Benheng Qian2
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
Communications Biology
|September 6, 2022
Summary
Pyroptosis, a cell death form, is linked to tumor immunity and prognosis across cancers. Specific pyroptosis genes may predict immunotherapy response, suggesting pyroptosis as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pyroptosis, a pro-inflammatory regulated cell death, is implicated in cancer development.
- The role of pyroptosis in pan-cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and tumor immunity remains largely undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic values of pyroptosis.
- To explore the interaction between pyroptosis and tumor immunity in a pan-cancer context.
- To assess pyroptosis-associated genes as predictors of immunotherapy response.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 17 pyroptosis-associated genes across 30 cancer types.
- Correlation analysis between pyroptosis, immune infiltration, and immune signatures.
- Evaluation of pyroptosis score model for prognostic prediction in melanoma.
- Assessment of specific pyroptosis genes (CASP1, CASP4, PYCARD) for predicting anti-PD-1 immunotherapy efficacy.
Main Results:
- Elevated pyroptosis gene expression in high-immune-activity tumors versus reduced pyroptosis in low-immune-activity tumors.
- Positive correlation between pyroptosis, immune infiltration, and immune signatures in 30 cancer types.
- Pyroptosis directly modulates immune checkpoint molecules and cytokine expression.
- A pyroptosis score model showed potential as an independent prognostic indicator in melanoma.
- CASP1, CASP4, and PYCARD expression predicted anti-PD-1 immunotherapy effectiveness in melanoma patients.
Conclusions:
- Pyroptosis is significantly associated with tumor immunity and prognosis across various cancers.
- Pyroptosis influences immune checkpoint molecules and cytokines, highlighting its role in the tumor microenvironment.
- Pyroptosis-associated genes and a pyroptosis score may serve as valuable biomarkers for cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response prediction.
- Targeting pyroptosis presents a potential strategy for enhancing cancer immune therapy.
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