Title: Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal the molecular and histological mechanisms of radioresistance and immune escape in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Release date: 2027-01-17
Description:
Radiotherapy resistance and immune evasion are two prominent features of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC). However, their mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we conducted single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to reveal the ecosystem differences between primary and rNPC. MCAM+ mCAFs, the specific cancer-associated fibroblasts, are significantly enriched in rNPC, where they promote tumor radioresistance via the collagen IV-ITGA2-PI3K-AKT axis. We further elucidated the mechanism of immune escape in rNPC from three aspects. We uncovered the presence and function of CD8 ZNF683 cells in rNPC with lower cytotoxicity. The abundance of B cells and tertiary lymphoid structures significantly diminishes in rNPC. Finally, we confirmed that CD47-SIRPa commonly existed between myeloid and malignant cells in rNPC. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of radioresistance and immune evasion in rNPC, as well as critical preliminary targets for curing rNPC.
Data Accessibility:
Controlled access
Study type: Disease Study
Disease name:
nasopharyngeal carcinoma
