Comprehensive single-cell analysis demonstrates radiotherapy-induced infiltration of macrophages expressing immunosuppressive genes into tumor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Sci Adv. 2023 Dec 15;9(50):eadh9069. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9069. Epub 2023 Dec 13.

Abstract

Radiotherapy (RT) combined with immunotherapy is promising; however, the immune response signature in the clinical setting after RT remains unclear. Here, by integrative spatial and single-cell analyses using multiplex immunostaining (CODEX), spatial transcriptome (VISIUM), and single-cell RNA sequencing, we substantiated the infiltration of immune cells into tumors with dynamic changes in immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive gene expression after RT. In addition, our comprehensive analysis uncovered time- and cell type-dependent alterations in the gene expression profile after RT. Furthermore, myeloid cells showed prominent up-regulation of immune response-associated genes after RT. Notably, a subset of infiltrating tumor-associated myeloid cells showing PD-L1 positivity exhibited significant up-regulation of immunostimulatory (HMGB1 and ISG15), immunosuppressive (SIRPA and IDO1), and protumor genes (CXCL8, CCL3, IL-6, and IL-1AB), which can be targets of immunotherapy in combination with PD-L1. These datasets will provide information on the RT-induced gene signature to seek an appropriate target for personalized immunotherapy combined with RT and guide the timing of combination therapy.

MeSH terms

  • B7-H1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Macrophages / metabolism

Substances

  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • Immunosuppressive Agents