Prognostic and immunological characterization of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma evaluated by co-stimulatory molecular-related features

BACKGROUND: Co-stimulatory molecules have been shown to enhance antitumor immune responses, but their role in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) remains unexplored. METHODS: This study aimed to explore the molecular typing of DLBCL with co-stimulatory molecule genes and to construct a prognostic profile to improve treatment decisions and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: We conducted the first comprehensive analysis of co-stimulatory molecules in DLBCL patients and identified five co-stimulatory molecule genes with prognostic and diagnostic values. Consensus cluster analysis based on these five co-stimulatory molecule genes revealed that the two identified clusters had different distribution patterns and prognostic differences. Co-stimulatory molecular correlation signatures were then constructed based on these five co-stimulatory molecular genes and validated in an external dataset, showing good performance in predicting patient prognosis. The signature is an independent risk factor for DLBCL patients and significantly correlates with clinical factors in patients and can be used as a complement to clinical factors. Furthermore, the signature was associated with the tumor immune microenvironment. Patients identified as being at high risk according to our signature exhibit high levels of immune cell infiltration microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our signature can provide clinicians with prognostic predictions and help guide the treatment of patients with DLBCL.