Comprehensive transcriptome meta-analysis of immune system in breast cancer subtypes

Here we applied a bioinformatic analysis from human breast cancer samples covering clinical subtypes to elucidate the phenotypic diversity of breast cancer immune ecosystems. Upregulated genes showed basal-like breast cancer have a strong Th1 signature, while Her2-enriched, luminal A and luminal B have a strong Th2 signature. We assembled a global map of prognostic associations for 22 immune populations across breast cancer malignancy. By comparing N1 and N2 tumor neutrophil polarization associated markers, we found five N2 neutrophil increased genes in basal-like, one gene in her2-positive, Serpina1 in luminal A, and Cdk5r1 in luminal B. Upregulation of Nos2 and downregulation of Serpina1 genes were associated with breast cancer poor survival. Basal-like showed 33 neuropeptides and 31 receptors overexpressed in cancer tissue. Luminal A presented 24 neuropeptides and 21 receptors overexpressed. Survival analysis showed Npr3, Prok1, Serpina11 and Pyy upregulated genes had a survival impact. These findings may reveal potential novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers.