Identification of critical molecules and biological processes for cancer immunotherapy by using immune checkpoint blockade drugs

Chemotherapy is widely used in cancers such as mesothelioma in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, the mechanism and function are still unclear. This study aimed to identify the critical genes and signaling pathways by analyzing the RNA-seq data. The GSE188481 was created by the Illumina HiSeq 2000 (Mus musculus). The gene enrichment analysis indicated that the Epstein−Barr virus infection and cell adhesion molecules are the major signaling pathways during the treatment of ICB drugs. Further, we identified a variety of interactive genes including TNF, PTPRC, CD8A, ITGAM, CD86, ITGAX, IFNG, STAT3, LCP2, and STAT1. This study may provide novel knowledge for cancer immunotherapy.