biostudies-literatureSchaafsma ENIAID NIH HHSNCI NIH HHSU.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | National Institutes of HealthCancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas422-432https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8329209biostudies-literatureUnknown125(3)<h4>Background</h4>The function of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules is to bind peptide fragments derived from genomic mutations or pathogens and display them on the cell surface for recognition by cognate T cells to initiate an immune response.<h4>Methods</h4>In this study, we provide a comprehensive investigation of HLA gene expression in a pan-cancer manner involving 33 cancer types. We utilised gene expression data from several databases and immune checkpoint blockade-treated patient cohorts.<h4>Results</h4>We show that MHC expression varies strongly among cancer types and is associated with several genomic and immunological features. While immune cell infiltration was generally higher in tumours with higher HLA gene expression, CD4+ T cells showed significantly differenBritish journal of cancerPan-cancer association of HLA gene expression with cancer prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy.PMC8329209R21 CA227996T32 AI007363RR1800611R21CA227996Schaafsma ECheng CFugle CMWang XfalsePan-cancer association of HLA gene expression with cancer prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy.<h4>Background</h4>The function of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules is to bind peptide fragments derived from genomic mutations or pathogens and display them on the cell surface for recognition by cognate T cells to initiate an immune response.<h4>Methods</h4>In this study, we provide a comprehensive investigation of HLA gene expression in a pan-cancer manner involving 33 cancer types. We utilised gene expression data from several databases and immune checkpoint blockade-treated patient cohorts.<h4>Results</h4>We show that MHC expression varies strongly among cancer types and is associated with several genomic and immunological features. While immune cell infiltration was generally higher in tumours with higher HLA gene expression, CD4+ T cells showed significantly differen2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Aug2026-05-30T20:53:59.102Z2025-04-04T10:01:46.707ZS-EPMC83292093398101510.1038/s41416-021-01400-2