Single-cell RNA sequencing unveils distinctive immune microenvironment during oral carcinogenesis

Oral carcinogenesis is a complex and multifaceted process, and the acquisition of malignant features occurs involving a broad range of dynamic variations. Immune microenvironment, as a complex system, consists of a variety of immune cells, and the interaction between tumor-infiltrating immune cells and epithelia plays an important role in the occurrence and development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The 4NQO rat cancer model is one of the most extensively studied animal systems for its close similarity to human malignant transformation at the histological and molecular levels. Here, we profiled transcriptomes of single cells from 6 rat models, including three dysplasia and three OSCC rats. By comparing with dysplasia and tumor samples, we suggested distinct immune patterns, including epithelia, stromal and immune cells interactions. Overall, our research provides distinctive insights into regulation of immune microenvironment during oral carcinogenesis.