Identification of a immune-related gene signature as a novel prognostic biomarker of cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE To construct a prognostic index of immune-related genes for cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL) and to analyse the immune profile as well as the benefits in the subgroups defined by the IRGC model. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Nineteen immune-related central genes were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis based on the TCGA cholangiocarcinoma dataset (n = 45) combined with associated immune genes. Six genes for model building were identified using Cox regression methods and validated using the GEO dataset. Subsequently, the IRGC model was analysed for immune characteristics in the subgroups defined by the IRGC model as well as for benefits. RESULTS: The IRGC model was constructed on the basis of the LECT2,HP,AHSG,F2,RBP4 and APOB genes. Consistent with results from the GEO cohort, overall survival was lower in patients with high IRGC model scores than in those with low scores. The combined results showed that the high-scoring subgroup had a higher rate of IDH1 mutations and high penetration of M0 macrophages. In contrast, the low scoring subgroup had higher levels of activated NK cells, which better inhibited tumour development. CONCLUSION: The IRGC model is a promising biomarker to differentiate the prognostic and immune profile and immune benefit of immunotherapy in CHOL and may be a guide to personalised immunotherapy for patients with cholangiocarcinoma.