CD74 as a prognostic and M1 macrophage infiltration marker in a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis

Ruo Qi Li ^1,2, Lei Yan ³, Ling Zhang ⁴

⁰Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.

Scientific Reports +

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April 6, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

CD74 protein is upregulated in most cancers and predicts patient prognosis. Its activation may enhance tumor immunotherapy by influencing immune cells and chemotherapy response.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Immunology
Genomics

Background

CD74 (a type-II transmembrane glycoprotein) has been phenotypically linked to cancer development.
Previous studies lacked in-depth mechanistic investigations into CD74's role in tumorigenesis.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the mechanistic role of CD74 in cancer.
To evaluate CD74 as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target across various cancers.

Main Methods

Multi-omics analysis to assess CD74 expression levels in cancer.
Fluorescence staining and transcriptional analyses (bulk, spatial, single-cell) for immune cell infiltration.
Molecular docking to identify potential CD74-activating drugs.

Main Results

CD74 was significantly upregulated in most cancers, correlating with poorer prognosis.
Elevated CD74 expression was linked to reduced DNA repair gene signatures in over 10 tumor types.
CD74 served as a marker for M1 macrophage infiltration and predicted chemotherapy response in BRCA patients.

Conclusions

CD74 is a promising pan-cancer prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target.
CD74 activation may hold potential for enhancing tumor immunotherapy.
Identified potential CD74-activating drugs (HNHA, BRD-K55186349) warrant further investigation.

Keywords:

Immune infiltration M1 macrophage Molecular docking Pan-cancer Prognosis