BTN2A2, a new biomarker and therapeutic target for glioma

Background: Protein casein 2A2 (BTN2A2) is a costimulatory molecule first identified in antigen-presenting cells. Studies have shown the involvement of BTN2A2 in immunity. However, the exact role and the mechanism of BTN2A2 in tumors are still unclear. Methods: First, we performed real-time PCR to measure BTN2A2 expression in glioma cell lines. Next, we performed Genes Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses to understand the mechanism of BTN2A2 in glioma. Next, we used the “ESTIMATE”, “ssGSEA” and “CIBERSORT” algorithms to analyze the correlation between BTN2A2 and immune cell infiltration (ICI). Finally, we performed immunohistochemistry, growth curve, transwell, and colony formation assays to determine the functions of BTN2A2 in glioma. Results: Our results showed an increase in BTN2A2 expression levels in glioma tissues and cells. Next, we determined that BTN2A2 was correlated with the prognosis of patients with glioma. Then, using the ESTIMATE, ssGSEA, and CIBERSORT algorithms, we discovered that BTN2A2 was significantly associated with immune cell infiltration (ICI) in glioma. We observed an increase in BTN2A2 expression levels with an increase in the patient’s tumor grade. Furthermore, BTN2A2 significantly enhanced the proliferative and migratory abilities of glioma cells. Conclusions: Our results showed a significant increase in BTN2A2 expression levels in glioma cells and tissues. Furthermore, the prognosis of patients expressing high BTN2A2 levels was poor. Moreover, BTN2A2 was correlated with progression and ICI in patients with glioma. Together, this indicates that BTN2A2 could be a therapeutic target for patients with glioma.