Exploring the Adaptive Immune Response in Basal Cell Carcinoma: Insights from Efferocytosis-Related Genes

Abstract

Background: The efferocytosis-related genes (EGs) have been associated with the progression of cancers. However, their precise role in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify biomarkers associated with efferocytosis in BCC. Methods: BCC-related datasets GSE125285 and GSE42109 were extracted. Target genes were identified by intersecting differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified by “limma”. Moreover, the module genes were screened by “weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA)” and EGs were obtained from the previous literature. Subsequently, the enrichment analysis was conducted employing “ClusterProfiler”. Additionally, diagnostic biomarkers for BCC were screened and BCC risk was predicted through a nomogram. Furthermore, an analysis of gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to examine possible mechanisms of BCC. Results: A total of 18 target genes were identified by intersecting 7314 DEGs, 6052 module genes, and 71 EGs. These genes were found to be associated with transmembrane transport and phagocytosis. Moreover, five biomarkers (ADAM10, MBTPS1, P2RY2, SLC2A1, and UCP2) were identified and the diagnostic model was constructed using these biomarkers. Importantly, MBTPS1 and P2RY2 were found to be associated with adaptive immune response. Conclusions: This study identified five efferocytosis-related biomarkers that might be used to diagnose BCC. By understanding the regulatory mechanism of EGs in BCC, this study might contribute to further research.