Causal association between immune cells and esophageal cancer: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

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Abstract Background Tumor development is significantly regulated by immune cells. Esophageal cancer is a tumor with a high mortality rate and a poor prognosis. Clinical research has demonstrated a connection between esophageal cancer and immune cells, and immunotherapy has gradually improved the survival of esophageal cancer patients. Nevertheless, a conclusive association between immune cells and esophageal cancer has not to be demonstrated. Methods We initially screened immune cells as potential factors influencing the development of esophageal cancer using a GWAS. A Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was done to establish a causal connection between immune cells and esophageal cancer. In addition, We conducted a bidirectional MR analysis to investigate the causal connections. Results We discovered 20 significant correlations between immune cells and esophageal cancer. In addition, by bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis, we determined the impact of esophageal cancer on immune cells. The reliability of the findings was verified using assessments of heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Conclusions Our Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that immune cells were associated with esophageal cancer and may be beneficial for presenting basic evidence for mechanistic and clinical research on immunotherapy.