# Association between immune cells and multiple cancers: Insights from Mendelian randomization and gene-based analysis

## TL;DR

This study explores how immune cells influence cancer risk using genetic data, finding both protective and harmful immune cell links to various cancers.

## Contribution

The study uses Mendelian randomization and gene-based analysis to reveal novel causal associations between immune cells and multiple cancers.

## Key findings

- BAFF-R on B cells is linked to reduced melanoma risk.
- CD27 on B cells increases lung cancer risk.
- 61 shared genes were found between immune cells and cancers.

## Abstract

To investigate the roles of immune cells in cancer, we conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses of 731 immune cells and 16 site-specific cancers, alongside gene-based and enrichment analyses. MR identified 79 significant associations (46 protective, 33 risk-enhancing). Key findings include BAFF-R on B cells lowering melanoma risk, and CD27 on B cells increasing lung cancer risk. Associations were also observed with breast, ovarian, cervical, and other cancers, but no significant association was found with oral cavity or pancreatic cancers. Gene-based analysis revealed 61 shared genes between immune cells and cancers. 56 genes were associated with prostate cancer, 30 with lung cancer, three with breast cancer, two with cervical cancer, and one with melanoma. Interestingly, several prostate cancer-associated genes were also associated with breast, cervical, and lung cancers. These findings suggest potential biological mechanisms linking immune cells to cancer development and progression, highlighting the complex role of the immune system in cancer.

•Genome-wide assessment of pleiotropy between 731 immunophenotypes and 16 site-specific cancers•MR identified 79 significant causal associations between immunophenotypes and cancer risk•Gene-based analysis revealed 61 shared genes between immunophenotypes and cancers

Genome-wide assessment of pleiotropy between 731 immunophenotypes and 16 site-specific cancers

MR identified 79 significant causal associations between immunophenotypes and cancer risk

Gene-based analysis revealed 61 shared genes between immunophenotypes and cancers

Health sciences