Integrated identification of immune-related therapeutic targets for interstitial cystitis via multi-algorithm machine learning: transcriptomic profiling and in vivo experimental validation.

BACKGROUND

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a complex urological disorder characterized by chronic pelvic pain and urinary dysfunction, with limited diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic options. Emerging evidence implicates immune microenvironment dysregulation in its pathogenesis, yet the identification of key driver genes and cross-omics integration remains underexplored.

METHODS

This study integrated three transcriptomic datasets to identify immune-related gene modules via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A diagnostic model was constructed using 113 machine learning algorithms. Immune cell infiltration was assessed via CIBERSORT, and single cell sequencing elucidated cellular heterogeneity. Drug candidates were predicted using DSigdb and validated through molecular docking and dynamics simulations. A cyclophosphamide (CYP)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IC/BPS murine model was established to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of prioritized compounds (Resiniferatoxin and Acetohexamide) via histopathology, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Eight core immune-related genes were identified. The machine learning model achieved AUC >0.9 in both training and validation cohorts. Single-cell analysis revealed IFI27 overexpression in epithelial and immune cells, correlating positively with M1 macrophages and activated CD4+ T cells (p<0.05). Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinity between IFI27 and Acetohexamide (-19.91 ± 0.98 kcal/mol) or Resiniferatoxin (-32.98 ± 1.74 kcal/mol), with dynamics simulations confirming structural stability. In vivo, both compounds significantly reduced bladder inflammation (p<0.05), with Acetohexamide showing superior efficacy in downregulating IFI27 expression and systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

This multi-omics study deciphered immune dysregulation in IC/BPS and established a robust diagnostic framework. The validation of IFI27-targeting compounds in alleviating inflammation highlights translational potential for repurposed therapeutics. Our findings advance precision immunotherapy strategies for IC/BPS.