Work

Different metabolic paradigms and distribution of regulatory T cells between primary and lymph node metastasis prostate cancer

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: The objectives of the study are to investigate the differential metabolic paradigms and distribution of regulatory T (Tregs) cells between primary prostate cancer (PCa) and lymph node (LN) metastases. Material and Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of primary PCa and LN metastases was employed to reveal the immune infiltration, identify Treg cell clusters, and analyze their metabolic regulation. Immunohistochemical (IHC) for FOXP3 and cluster of differentiation antigen 45 was used to verify different distribution and infiltration of Treg cells. Results: Immune cell infiltration was prominent around PCa cells, with Tregs significantly enriched in node-positive samples, suggesting an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Three Treg subsets were identified: Inhibitory Tregs, effector Tregs, and double-positive Tregs, each exhibiting distinct metabolic profiles. IHC confirmed higher Treg infiltration in LN metastases compared to primary tumors, particularly within tumor stroma. Conclusion: Tregs promote lymphatic metastasis in PCa through metabolic reprogramming, with their infiltration levels serving as a potential biomarker for metastatic risk.

Source: CytoJournal

DOI: 10.25259/cytojournal_44_2025

Authors: Wangli Mei, Shuai Liu, Mengyu Wei, Shiyong Xin, Xiang Liu

Institutions: Tongji University, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Henan University of Science and Technology, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4414146809