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Exploration and analysis of differentially expressed genes in Epstein–Barr virus negative and positive plasmablastic lymphoma

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Abstract

Objectives

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) often associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Despite recent advances in treatment, PBL still has a poor prognosis. EBV is listed as one of the human tumor viruses that may cause cancer, and is closely related to the occurrence of some nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), lymphoma and 10% of gastric cancer (GC). It is very important to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between EBV-positive and EBV-negative PBL. Through bioinformatics analysis of DEGs between EBV-positive PBL and EBV-negative PBL, we gain a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of EBV-positive PBL.

Methods

We selected the GSE102203 data set, and screened the DEGs between EBV-positive PBL and EBV-negative PBL. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were applied. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and screened for the hub genes. Finally, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed.

Results

In EBV-positive PBL, the immune-related pathway is upregulated and Cluster of differentiation 27 (CD27) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are hub genes.

Conclusions

In EBV-positive PBL, EBV may affect tumorigenesis through activation of immune-related pathways and upregulation of CD27, PD-L1. Immune checkpoint blockers of CD70/CD27 and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 pathways may be one of the effective strategies for the treatment of EBV-positive PBL.

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Data Availability

The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Abbreviations

PBL:

Plasmablastic lymphoma

DLBCL:

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma

EBV:

Epstein–Barr virus

NPC:

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

GC:

Gastric cancer

DEGs:

Differentially expressed genes

GO:

Gene ontology

KEGG:

Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes

PPI:

Protein–protein interaction

GSEA:

Gene set enrichment analysis

CD27:

Cluster of differentiation

PD-L1:

Programmed cell death-ligand 1

PD-1:

Programmed cell death 1

ISH:

In situ hybridization

HIV:

Human immunodeficiency virus

CC:

Cellular component

MF:

Molecular function

BP:

Biological process

Th1:

T-helper type 1

ARLs:

AIDS-related lymphomas

EBNA1:

Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen 1

EBERs:

EBV-encoded RNAs

TNFRSF:

Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily

RCC:

Renal cell carcinoma

LMP2A:

Latent membrane protein 2A

ICIs:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors

HPD:

Hyperprogressive disease

NSCLC:

Non-small cell lung cancer

HNSCC:

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

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Acknowledgements

Yue Liang, Hanqing Wang, Bing Luo designed research; Yue Liang, Hanqing Wang analyzed data; Yue Liang performed research and wrote the paper; Yue Liang, Bing Luo agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work. Thanks to everyone who helped with this article. The research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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  1. Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, No.308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266071, China

    Yue Liang, Hanqing Wang & Bing Luo

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  1. Yue Liang
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  2. Hanqing Wang
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Correspondence to Bing Luo.

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Liang, Y., Wang, H. & Luo, B. Exploration and analysis of differentially expressed genes in Epstein–Barr virus negative and positive plasmablastic lymphoma. Clin Transl Oncol 25, 2884–2891 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-023-03150-4

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