Frontiers in Immunology (Apr 2024)

Single-cell RNA-seq reveals T cell exhaustion and immune response landscape in osteosarcoma

  • Qizhi Fan,
  • Yiyan Wang,
  • Jun Cheng,
  • Boyu Pan,
  • Xiaofang Zang,
  • Renfeng Liu,
  • Youwen Deng

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362970
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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BackgroundT cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment has been demonstrated as a substantial contributor to tumor immunosuppression and progression. However, the correlation between T cell exhaustion and osteosarcoma (OS) remains unclear.MethodsIn our present study, single-cell RNA-seq data for OS from the GEO database was analysed to identify CD8+ T cells and discern CD8+ T cell subsets objectively. Subgroup differentiation trajectory was then used to pinpoint genes altered in response to T cell exhaustion. Subsequently, six machine learning algorithms were applied to develop a prognostic model linked with T cell exhaustion. This model was subsequently validated in the TARGETs and Meta cohorts. Finally, we examined disparities in immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, immune-related pathways, and the efficacy of immunotherapy between high and low TEX score groups.ResultsThe findings unveiled differential exhaustion in CD8+ T cells within the OS microenvironment. Three genes related to T cell exhaustion (RAD23A, SAC3D1, PSIP1) were identified and employed to formulate a T cell exhaustion model. This model exhibited robust predictive capabilities for OS prognosis, with patients in the low TEX score group demonstrating a more favorable prognosis, increased immune cell infiltration, and heightened responsiveness to treatment compared to those in the high TEX score group.ConclusionIn summary, our research elucidates the role of T cell exhaustion in the immunotherapy and progression of OS, the prognostic model constructed based on T cell exhaustion-related genes holds promise as a potential method for prognostication in the management and treatment of OS patients.

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