A Comprehensive Investigation to Reveal the Relationship Between Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Breast Cancer by Multiomics Data Analysis

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) are an essential immune microenvironment component. They have been reported for crucial roles in linking the adaptive and immune systems. However, the prognostic role of the pDC in breast cancer (BRCA) was controversial. In this work, we collected large sample cohorts and did a comprehensive investigation to reveal the relationship between pDC and BRCA by multiomics data analysis. Elevated pDC levels were correlated with prolonged survival outcomes in BRCA patients. The distinct mutation landscape and lower burden of somatic copy number alterations (SCNA) and lower intratumoral heterogeneity were observed in the high pDC abundance group. Additionally, a more sensitive immune response and chemotherapies response were observed in the high pDC group, which implicates that patients with high pDC abundance can be benefited from the combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In conclusion, the correlation between pDC abundance and BRCA patients' overall survival (OS) was found to be positive. We identified the molecular profiles of BRCA patients with pDC abundance. Our findings may be beneficial in aiding in the development of immunotherapy and elucidating on the precision treatment for BRCA.

Automated summary

This study found that elevated levels of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) were associated with prolonged survival outcomes in breast cancer patients, with lower mutation burden and intratumoral heterogeneity observed in the high pDC abundance group. Patients with high pDC abundance showed a more sensitive immune response and better chemotherapy outcomes, suggesting potential benefits from combination therapy.