Alterations in the immune landscape characterized by inflammatory activation and immune escape within 12 h after trauma

Background

Trauma is statistically a significant cause of mortality among patients across countries. Nevertheless, the precise correlation between genetic diagnostic markers and the intricate mechanism of trauma remains indistinct.

Methods

Our study exclusively centered on trauma patients and selected three trauma-related datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, all of which had blood samples collected within post-traumatic 12 h. Differential gene screening, the WGCNA and Cytoscape software were employed to analyze the two datasets, with a particular emphasis on the top 100 genes selected based on MCC algorithm scores. A logistic diagnostic model was constructed by analyzing the intersection genes in the third dataset, leading to the identification of diagnostic biomarkers with high efficiency. The global immune landscape of these patients was extensively investigated using a multidimensional approach. Meanwhile, the underlying pathological and physiological mechanisms associated with early trauma status are summarized by integrating existing literature.

Results

Out of these two GEO datasets, 21 overlapping genes were identified and incorporated into in the logistic diagnostic model constructed in the GSE36809 dataset. A panel of 9 genes was uncovered as a diagnostic biomarker, and their expression and correlation were subsequently verified. Additionally, by virtue of various algorithms, the findings revealed an upregulation of neutrophil expression and a downregulation of CD8+ T cell expression, indicating characteristic early trauma-induced inflammation activation and immune suppression. The correlation observed between the feature genes and immune cells serves to validate the exceptional diagnostic capability of these 9 genes in identifying trauma status and their promising potential for patients who could benefit from targeted immune interventions. Drawing from these findings, the discussion section offers insights into the underlying pathological and physiological mechanisms at play.

Conclusion

Our research has discovered a novel diagnostic biomarker and unveiled its association with post-traumatic immune alterations. This breakthrough enables accurate and timely diagnosis of early trauma, facilitating the implementation of appropriate healthcare interventions.