Abstract
Objective: We aimed to investigate the immunological significance of M2 macrophage-related genes in lung cancer (LC) patients, specifically focusing on constructing a risk score to predict patient prognosis and response to immunotherapy. Methods: We developed a novel risk score by identifying and incorporating 12 M2 macrophage-related genes. The risk score was calculated by multiplying the expression levels of risk genes by their respective coefficients. Through comprehensive enrichment analysis, we explored the potential functions distinguishing high- and low-risk groups. Moreover, we examined the relationship between patients in different risk groups and immune infiltration as well as their response to immunotherapy. The single-cell RNA sequencing data were acquired to ascertain the spatial pattern of RNF130 expression. The expression of RNF130 was examined using TCGA datasets and verified by HPA. The qRT-PCR was employed to examine RNF130 expression in LC cells. Finally, in vitro experiments were carried out to validate the expression and function of RNF130. Results: Our results indicated that the risk score constructed from 12 M2 macrophage-related genes was an independent prognostic factor. Patients in the high-risk group had a significantly worse prognosis compared to those in the low-risk group. Functional enrichment analysis showed a significant relationship between the risk score and immunity. Furthermore, we explored immune infiltration in different risk groups using seven immune algorithms. The results demonstrated a negative correlation between high-risk group patients and immune infiltration of B cells, CD4+ cells, and CD8+ cells. We further validated these findings using an immunotherapy response database, which revealed that high-risk patients were more likely to exhibit immune evasion and might have poorer immunotherapy outcomes. Additionally, drug sensitivity analysis indicated that patients in the high-risk group were more sensitive to certain chemotherapeutic and targeted drugs than those in the low-risk group. Single-cell analysis indicated that macrophages were the primary site of RNF130 distribution. The results from the TCGA and HPA database demonstrated a trend toward a low expression of RNF130 in LC. Finally, in vitro experiments further validated the expression and function of RNF130 in LC cells. Conclusions: The high-risk group constructed with M2 macrophage-related genes in LC was closely associated with poor prognosis, low immune cell infiltration, and poorer response to immunotherapy. This risk score can help differentiate and predict the prognosis and immune status of LC patients, thereby aiding in the development of precise and personalized immunotherapy strategies.