单细胞研究揭示肺癌微波消融后第 7 天外周血免疫应答的早期改变

Lung cancer (LC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Microwave ablation (MWA) is a promising local therapy, but its impact on systemic immunity remains unclear.

In this exploratory pilot study, paired peripheral blood samples from two LC patients pre- and post-MWA were analyzed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Cell composition, functional states, and intercellular communication were investigated. The expression levels of cytotoxic factors including GZMB, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in CD8 + T cells derived from PBMCs were determined via RT-qPCR and ELISA assays.

scRNA-seq identified 9 immune cell types. Post-MWA, monocytes and NKT cells increased. Functional changes included enhanced T cell cytotoxicity, activated pro-inflammatory monocytes, and anti-tumor neutrophil differentiation. Cell communication analysis highlighted enriched LGALS9-CD45 and RETN-CAP1 interactions between T cells and monocytes/neutrophils. In vitro cellular assays revealed that the expression of cytotoxic factors (GZMB, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) in CD8 + T cells was significantly upregulated following MWA treatment.

This pilot study provides preliminary single-cell evidence suggesting how MWA remodels the immune landscape in LC, however, these findings require further validation in larger cohorts.