Integrated Analysis of Helicobacter Pylori-Related Prognostic Gene Modification Patterns in the Tumour Microenvironment of Gastric Cancer

Background Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is one of the leading causes of gastric cancer (GC). However, the interaction between HP and the TME, and its carcinogenic mechanism remains unknown. Methods We screened 28 HP-related prognostic genes based on HP infection-related gene markers and HP infection sample datasets (GSE6143 and GSE60662). We then constructed an HPscore system by using the principal component analysis algorithm and successfully quantified the HP modification characteristics of a single GC sample. In addition, we comprehensively analysed the relationship between the HPscore and the clinical characteristics of patients with GC, the immune cell infiltration characteristics of the TME and stemness. Results We successfully identified 28 HP-related prognostic genes that accurately classified the GC population. There are significant differences in survival between different subgroups(high-, low-risk and cluster_1,2). Thereafter, we constructed the HPscore system to systematically evaluate the modification characteristics of the 28 HP-related prognostic genes, and the internal and external validation of the HPscore system suggested similar results: the overall survival rate in the high -HPscore group was poor, and immunological surveillance was reduced, whereas the low-HPscore group had a survival advantage, and was related to the inflammatory response. HPscore was also strongly correlated with the tumour stage, TME cell infiltration and stemness. Conclusions HP-modified characteristics play a crucial role in the TME and tumourigenesis. HPscore evaluation of a single tumour sample can help identify the TME characteristics and the carcinogenic mechanism of GC patients infected with HP, based on which personalised treatment can be administered.