Comparative analysis of the tumor microenvironment in primary CNS and testicular large B-cell lymphomas using digital...

Primary large B-cell lymphomas of immune-privileged sites, including primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and primary testicular lymphoma (PTL), exhibit distinct clinicopathologic features contributing to aggressive behavior and immune evasion. While the molecular characteristics of PCNSL and PTL have been extensively studied, the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains insufficiently understood. In particular, no study has directly compared the TME of PCNSL and PTL, highlighting a critical gap in understanding their immunobiology. We analyzed 55 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving the central nervous system (CNS) and testis using deep learning-based digital image analysis. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for key immune markers, including CD3, CD4, CD8, FOXP3, PD-1, TIM-3, CD68, and CD163, to characterize TME composition. PTL exhibited significantly higher levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, including CD3⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cells, compared to PCNSL (P < 0.001). The T-cell exhaustion index was significantly lower in PTL (P < 0.001), while CD163⁺ macrophages were more predominant in PCNSL, suggesting a more immunosuppressive TME in the CNS. Correlation analyses of TME factors revealed differences between the CNS and testis, with stronger interrelationships among immune markers in PCNSL. Our findings highlight distinct TME characteristics between PCNSL and PTL. The predominance of CD163⁺ macrophages and higher T-cell exhaustion in PCNSL suggests potential benefits of macrophage-targeted therapies. In contrast, PTL, with a more active TME, may be more responsive to immune checkpoint blockade. This study provides novel insights into the immune landscape of primary large B-cell lymphomas of immune-privileged sites, emphasizing the need for site-specific treatment approaches.