Abstract
Chemokine (C-X3-C motif) Receptor 1 (CX3CR1) is a chemokine receptor that functions primarily by mediating the chemotaxis and adhesion of immune cells. However, the role of CX3CR1 in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced early-stage liver cirrhosis remains unexplored. GSE15654 retrieved from the GEO. Cox regression model, CIBERSOT and LASSO technique was utilized to identify CX3CR1-associated prognostic genes. Surgical resection samples were collected for verification. High expression of CX3CR1 in the liver was linked to worse prognosis in individuals with HCV-induced early-stage liver cirrhosis. CX3CR1-associated immune infiltration genes(IIGs), namely ACTIN4, CD1E, TMCO1, LOC400499, MTHFD2, and WSF1, were identified, showing specific expression in the livers of individuals with post-hepatic cirrhosis and liver failure compared to HC. Notably, high infiltration of plasma cells and low infiltration of monocytes were predictive of poor prognosis in early-stage cirrhosis. The combined risk model predicted that high expression of CX3CR1-associated IIGs and increased infiltration of plasma cells were associated with unfavorable prognosis in individuals with HCV-induced early-stage liver cirrhosis. Elevated expression of CX3CR1 is a risk factor for individuals with HCV-induced early-stage liver cirrhosis. The developed combined risk model effectively predicted the prognosis of such individuals.