Integrating bulk and single-cell sequencing data to construct a Scissor⁺ dendritic cells prognostic model for predicting prognosis and immune responses in ESCC

Maosheng Cheng ¹, Jianqi Xiong ¹, Qianwen Liu ²

⁰Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy : Cii +

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April 15, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Dendritic cells (DCs) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) vary significantly. Identifying DC subtypes using single-cell RNA sequencing aids in developing prognostic models and targeted therapies for ESCC patients.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Immunology
Genomics

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) exhibits molecular heterogeneity impacting treatment response.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial immune cells influencing cancer prognosis and survival.
Understanding DC heterogeneity in ESCC is vital for personalized treatment strategies.

Purpose Of The Study

To dissect the dendritic cell landscape within the ESCC tumor microenvironment using high-resolution single-cell analysis.
To identify and characterize distinct dendritic cell subpopulations in ESCC patients.
To develop and validate a prognostic risk model for ESCC based on dendritic cell subtypes.

Main Methods

Integrated analysis of 192,078 single cells from 60 ESCC patients, including 4,379 dendritic cells.
Utilized the Scissor method to stratify dendritic cells into Scissor-high (hi) and Scissor-low (low) subtypes based on genomic and clinical associations.
Applied Scissor-hi gene signature for patient stratification and identified key ligand-receptor interactions.

Main Results

Dendritic cells were successfully stratified into Scissor-hi and Scissor-low subtypes.
Scissor-hi patients exhibited significant ligand-receptor mediated cell interactions involving PD-L1, TIGIT, PVR, and IL6.
A validated prognostic risk model for ESCC was developed based on Scissor findings.

Conclusions

Dendritic cell subtypes play a critical role in ESCC heterogeneity and patient prognosis.
Specific gene signatures and cell interactions (PD-L1, TIGIT, PVR, IL6) are associated with the Scissor-hi subtype.
The developed risk model offers a reliable tool for ESCC prognosis and may guide personalized therapeutic development.

Keywords:

DC ESCC SCISSOR