Integrating Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics Reveals NK Cell Subpopulations Associated With Immunotherapy for Melanoma.

ABSTRACT: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have demonstrated prolonged efficacy in certain melanoma patients, yet a significant portion of patients do not experience clinical improvement, with the mechanisms underlying this resistance still not fully understood. Using established cell markers, we partitioned the single-cell transcriptome into clusters, finding a notable link between NK cells and patient response to immunotherapy. We further identified four distinct subpopulations of NK cells, profiling marker gene sets and unique biological functions associated with each subpopulation. This analysis provides insights into the trajectory of NK cell development and differentiation, along with identifying the transcription factors driving these processes. The study pinpointed NK cluster 01 as pivotal

SUBMITTER: Hu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12677594 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature