CCL20 secreted by KRT15^high tumor Cells promotes tertiary lymphoid structure formation and enhances anti-PD-1 therapy response in HPV⁺HNSCC.

ABSTRACT: Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are associated with an improved response to Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection constitutes a high-risk factor for HNSCC carcinogenesis. However, its role in TLS formation has yet to be elucidated. Herein, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis from 59 HNSCC patients revealed a higher prevalence of mature TLS in HPV-positive (HPV⁺) HNSCC compared to HPV-negative (HPV^-) cases. Furthermore, integrated analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and RNA-seq data indicated that TLS-positive tumors were characterized by an expanded population of KRT15^high tumor cells in HNSCC. IHC and cytological experiments confirmed upregulatio

SUBMITTER: Zhang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12858956 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature