Profiles of immune cell infiltration and immune-related genes in the tumor microenvironment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Background As a complex system participating in tumor development and progression, the microenvironment was poorly understood esophageal cancer especially squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods ESTIMATE algorithm is used to investigate tumor-infiltrating immune cells prognostic genes which were associated with ESCC. Results Based on stromal scores, ESCC samples divided into high low score groups 299 overlapping differentially expressed identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these mainly involved muscle-related function. Prognostic including COL9A3 , GFRA2 VSIG4 establish risk prediction model using Cox regression analyses. Then multivariate an independent discriminator of better prognosis. Kaplan–Meier survival expression significantly correlated overall patients. The area under curve for predicting 1- 3- year rates 0.660 0.942, respectively. negatively plasma cells, while positively proportions activated CD4 memory T M1 Macrophages M2 ( p < 0.001 each comparison). Gene set suggested both response process gene sets enriched high-risk group. Conclusions Our study provided comprehensive understanding TME establishment valuable early identification patients facilitate individualized treatment improve possibility immunotherapy response.