Screening of potential immune-related genes expressed during sepsis using gene sequencing technology

To screen potential pivotal targets in sepsis through peripheral blood. Septic patients (n = 23) and healthy volunteers (n = 10) were enrolled according to SEPSIS 3.0. Peripheral blood was collected within 24 h of enrollment, RNA-seq was performed on the peripheral blood. The sequencing data was screened for DEGs (p < 0.01; logFC ≥ 2). PPI, WGCNA and survival curve analysis were used to identify potential targets. Then, 5 PBMC samples were conducted by single-cell sequencing for cell lineage location. Finally, mouse sepsis model and clinic samples were performed to verify the targets gene using RNA-seq and RT-PCR, respectively. Compared to the control group, 1007 DEGs were found in septic group. BCL9L, BCL11B, CD247, CD96, MAFG and SAMD3 were in the core of network. These six genes correlated to the survival rate of septic patients and they were mainly expressed in T cells, except that MAFG was located in monocyte cell. The expression levels of six key genes were confirmed by animal and clinical samples. BCL9L, BCL11B, CD247, CD96 and SAMD3 were decreased in sepsis and mainly expressed in the T cell; while MAFG increased in sepsis and localizes to monocytes. These genes may be therapeutic targets for sepsis.