CD83 Receptor Unveiled as a Therapeutic Target in Metastatic Breast Cancer through Single-Cell RNA-Seq

Background Metastatic breast cancer is an advanced stage of the disease in which cancer cells have spread to organs beyond the breast, posing a significant clinical challenge, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Gaining a profound understanding of the intricacies of metastasis is essential for developing effective interventions. In this study, we investigated the CD83 gene and its receptor as a promising therapeutic target in metastatic breast cancer. Method We obtained single-cell transcriptomes ( GSE75688 ) from the NIH portal website. These transcriptomes encompassed samples from eleven patients (BC01-BC11), which included two lymph node metastases (BC03LN, BC07LN). Our analysis focused on identifying genes with distinct expression patterns between metastatic and primary single cells. Results In the array of 22 tables (comprising two metastatic and eleven primary tables) featuring the top 800 differentially expressed genes in each, CD83 stood out as the sole significantly upregulated gene consistently shared across all eleven patients at the intersection. CD83 is a protein that plays a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in the context of antigen presentation, immune regulation and immune checkpoint, suggesting its potential involvement in breast cancer progression and metastasis. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that blocking the CD83 receptor on the cell membrane using an antibody could effectively inhibit cell growth in metastatic breast cancer. Conclusion We propose a novel therapeutic approach by targeting the CD83 receptor on the cell membrane to inhibit cell growth and metastasis in breast cancer. While these findings are promising, further research is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of CD83-targeted therapies. If successful, such treatments could offer improved options for patients with metastatic breast cancer, addressing a critical need for more effective interventions in advanced stages of the disease.