Elucidating the Immune Microenvironment and Therapeutic Targets in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma through Bioinformatics

Abstract

Background. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), prevalent in East Asia and associated with EBV infection, poses unique challenges due to its complex immunological interactions. This study aims to dissect the molecular and immune mechanisms of NPC, providing a pathway to novel treatments. Methods. Through bioinformatics, we analyzed gene expression and immune cell infiltration in NPC tissues. Differential gene expression profiling, single-cell RNA sequencing, and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were performed to understand the immune landscape and identify EBV-related molecular changes. Results. The differential gene expression analysis highlighted a diverse immune cell composition, suggesting an intricate immune evasion landscape. GSVA pinpointed pathways linked to tumor immunity and EBV pathogenesis. Notably, the expression of immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1, was significantly associated with NPC, offering a potential target for immunotherapy. Conclusions. Our findings underscore the potential of immunotherapeutic approaches in NPC, particularly those modulating the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. The integration of bioinformatics and immunology in NPC research provides a foundation for personalized medicine and warrants further exploration into combination therapies to enhance treatment efficacy.