Spatial mapping of the immunosuppressive structure CD168+ TAMs coated tumor region (CCTR) in colon cancer tissues using proteomic profiles of plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs)

Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) staining for CD11b, CD168, CD8, and PanCK was performed on 10 surgically resected colon cancer samples. Based on the staining results, CD168+ TAMs coated tumor regions (CCTRs) were identified. According to the number and area ratio of CCTRs in the different tissues, the samples were divided into a low-CCTR group (n=6) and a high-CCTR group (n=4).Subsequently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from matched preoperative baseline plasma samples and subjected to proteomic analysis.