Abstract
BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often caused by chronic liver infection or inflammation. Searching for potential immunotherapy targets will aid the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC.MethodsFirstly, detailed HCC data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. GDCRNATools was used for the comprehensive analysis of RNA sequencing data. Subsequently, the CIBERSORT package was used to estimate infiltration scores of 22 types of immune cells in complex samples. Furthermore, hub genes were identified via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. In addition, multiple databases were used to validate the expression of hub gene in the tumor tissue. Finally, prognostic, diagnostic and immunohistochemical analysis of key hub genes was performed.ResultsIn the present study, 9 hub genes were identified using WGCNA and PPI network analysis. Furthermore, the expression levels of 9 genes were positively correlated with the infiltration levels of CD8-positive T (CD8+ T) cells. In multiple dataset validations, the expression levels of CCL5, CXCR6, CD3E, and LCK were decreased in cancer tissues. In addition, survival analysis revealed that patients with LCK low expression had a poor survival prognosis (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that CCL5, CD3E and LCK were expressed at low levels in HCC cancer tissues.ConclusionThe identification of CCL5, CXCR6, CD3E and LCK may be helpful in the development of early diagnosis and therapy of HCC. LCK may be a potential prognostic biomarker for immunotherapy for HCC.
Highlights
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often caused by chronic liver infection or inflammation
Previous study has demonstrated that tumorinfiltrating immune cells (TIICs) can help the host resist the development of cancer cells and solid tumors [7]
The expression levels of 9 genes were associated correlated with the infiltration levels of CD8-positive T (CD8+ T) cells
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often caused by chronic liver infection or inflammation. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common tumor, accounting for 75–85% of primary liver cancer case, and its incidence is on the rise [1, 2]. Previous study has demonstrated that tumorinfiltrating immune cells (TIICs) can help the host resist the development of cancer cells and solid tumors [7]. CD8-positive T (CD8+ T) cells, account for a large proportion of immune cells in a number of cancer types, have been demonstrated to play a key role in controlling tumor progression [11, 12]. Exploring biomarkers related to immune infiltration will help detect the HCC immunotherapy response and identify specific immune mechanisms
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
