Multi-Omics Data Analyses Identify B7-H3 as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Predict Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3) is a recently found superfamily B7 molecule and therefore has significant involvement in immunological regulation. However, the relationships of B7-H3 expression with the tumor microenvironment (TME), response to immunotherapy, and prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are still unknown. In the present analysis, we determined B7-H3 as a novel biomarker that predicts the prognosis and response to immunotherapy in HNSCC. B7-H3 expression is enhanced in HNSCC compared to normal sample and is stably expressed in HNSCC cell line. Besides, high B7-H3 expression is correlated with a dismal prognosis and resistance to immunotherapy and contributes to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis shows that B7-H3 is mainly expressed in the stromal as well as malignant cells. In conclusion, the study provides insight in understanding the prognostic value of B7-H3 in HNSCC and highlights its involvement in promoting the immunosuppressive microenvironment, which presents an attractive strategy for antibody-based immunotherapy.

Automated summary

The study identifies B7-H3 as a novel biomarker for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), predicting prognosis and response to immunotherapy; high expression of B7-H3 is associated with poor prognosis, immunotherapy resistance, and contributes to an immunosuppressive microenvironment.