Cuproptosis-related gene subtypes predict prognosis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. A novel form of copper-dependent and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent cell death, cuproptosis, has been described in many cancers. The roles and potential mechanisms of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) are still unclear in HNSCC. METHOD: We downloaded TCGA datasets of HNSCC genomic mutations and clinic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Based on the Cuproptosis-related differentially expressed genes in HNSCC, we constructed a prognostic signature. RESULTS: Eight CRGs have been identified as associated with the prognosis of HNSCC. According to Kaplan–Meier analyses, HNSCC with a high Risk Score had a poor prognosis. Furthermore, the AUC of the Risk Score for the 1-, 3-, and 5- year overall survival was respectively, 0.70, 0.71, and 0.68. TCGA data revealed that T cell functions, such as HLA, cytolytic activity, inflammation regulation, co-inhibition, and co-stimulation, differed significantly between members of the low and high groups. The immune checkpoint genes PD-L1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 were also expressed differently in the two risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: A CRG signature was defined that is associated with the prognosis of patients with HNSCC. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40463-023-00655-4.