Tumour heterogeneity and intercellular networks of nasopharyngeal carcinoma at single cell resolution

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21043-4
• Publication Date: 2021-02-02T13:21:09Z
• Authors: Yang Liu; Shuai He; Xi-Liang Wang; Wan Peng; Qiu-Yan Chen; Dong-Mei Chi; Jie-Rong Chen; Bo-Wei Han; Guo-Wang Lin; Yi-Qi Li; Qian-Yu Wang; Rou-Jun Peng; Pan-Pan Wei; Xiang Guo; Bo Li; Xiaojun Xia; Hai-Qiang Mai; Xue-Da Hu; Zemin Zhang; Yi-Xin Zeng; Jin-Xin Bei
• Keywords: CX3CR1

Abstract The heterogeneous nature of tumour microenvironment (TME) underlying diverse treatment responses remains unclear in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Here, we profile 176,447 cells from 10 NPC tumour-blood pairs, using single-cell transcriptome coupled with T cell receptor sequencing. Our analyses reveal 53 subtypes, including tumour-infiltrating CD8 + T, regulatory (Treg), and dendritic (DCs), as well malignant different Epstein-Barr virus infection status. Trajectory exhausted immune-suppressive TNFRSF4 Treg tumours might derive peripheral CX3CR1 naïve cells, respectively. Moreover, identify immune-regulatory tolerogenic LAMP3 DCs. Noteworthily, observe intensive inter-cell interactions among DCs, Treg, suggesting potential cross-talks to foster an niche for the TME. Collectively, our study uncovers heterogeneity interacting molecules TME at resolution, which provide insights into mechanisms progression development precise therapies NPC.