Frontiers in Immunology (Jun 2022)

Use of Single Cell Transcriptomic Techniques to Study the Role of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Cervical Cancer

  • Lingzhang Meng,
  • Lingzhang Meng,
  • Shengcai Chen,
  • Guiling Shi,
  • Siyuan He,
  • Zechen Wang,
  • Jiajia Shen,
  • Jiajia Wang,
  • Suren Rao Sooranna,
  • Jingjie Zhao,
  • Jian Song,
  • Jian Song,
  • Jian Song

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.907599
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection has been associated with a higher probability of progression to cervical cancer. However, several extensive studies have reported that the presence of hrHPV can lead to a better prognosis, but the mechanism of how this occurs is unclear. In this study, microbiological analysis was used to identify HPV infection as a factor for the prognosis of patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Comparing the interactions of HPV+ and HPV- malignant cells with immune cells as well as the trajectory of malignant cells either with or without HPV, we found that most of the HPV+ cells are well differentiated while HPV- cells appear to be hypo-fractionated. Using transcriptomic and immunostaining data, we validated a set of unfavourable molecules in the HPV- CSCC cells, including KRT16, ITGB1, CXCR1, VEGFA, CRCT1 and TNFRSF10B/DR5. This study provides a basis for the development of a rational post-operative follow-up programme and the development of an appropriate treatment plan for patients with cervical cancer.

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