Systematic analyses to explore immune gene sets-based signature in hepatocellular carcinoma, in which IGF2BP3 contributes to tumor progression

Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is of critical importance for the development and therapeutic response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, limited studies have investigated immune-related indicators for clinical supervision and decision. The current study aimed to develop an improved prognostic signature based on TIME. HCC patients from TCGA and ICGC database were classified into three subtypes (Immunity High, Im-munity Medium and Immunity Low) according to ssGSEA scores of 29 immune gene sets. Differentially expressed immune-related genes (DE IRGs) between Immune High and Low groups were screened with an adjusted P < 0.05. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to establish gene co-expression modules of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor and normal tissues. 45 survival-related immune genes (SRIGs) were identified at points of intersection between hub genes and DE IRGs. By performing Cox regression and LASSO analysis, 3 of the 45 SRIGs were screened to establish a prognostic model. Patients with high risk scores exhibited worse survival outcome and poorer response to chemotherapy. Potential mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance also have been discussed. More significantly, high-risk patients showed increased immune cell infiltration and checkpoints, which suggested a benefit of immunotherapy. In addition, knockdown of IGF2BP3 was determined to significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration in HCC. Our immune-related model may be an effective tool for precise diagnosis and treatment of HCC. It may help to select patients suitable for chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Automated summary

This study aimed to develop an improved prognostic signature based on tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By analyzing HCC patients from TCGA and ICGC databases, immune-related genes associated with patient prognosis were identified, and a prognostic model was established. High-risk patients showed worse survival outcomes and poorer response to chemotherapy, but could potentially benefit from immunotherapy. Silencing IGF2BP3 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration in HCC. This immune-related model may aid in precise diagnosis and treatment of HCC.