Integrated single-cell RNA-seq analysis reveals that EZH2 regulates the MIF-CD74 axis to modulate T cell activation and exhaustion in hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal malignancy characterized by a complex pathological mechanism involving multiple genes and progressive stages. The efficacy of targeted and immunotherapy remains limited, highlighting the urgent need for a reliable model to predict prognosis and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Methods

We developed an integrated model based on genes related to autophagy, senescence, dormancy, mitochondrial function, and tumor stemness. The predictive capability of this model for HCC prognosis and ICI response was evaluated. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis and immunocompetent mouse models were further utilized to elucidate the role of model-associated genes in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment.

Resul

SUBMITTER: Zhou Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12487417 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature