The inhibitory effect of hepatic cancer energy metabolism on immune checkpoint therapy: perspectives from single-cell multi-omics analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate metabolic reprogramming-especially pyruvate metabolism-in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before and after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, construct a metabolism-related prognostic model, and evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting LDHA.

METHODS

Integrated single-cell RNA-seq data (GEO, Mendeley) were analyzed using Seurat, AUCell, pySCENIC, CellChat, and Monocle. A prognostic model was developed from TCGA data by Cox and Lasso regression. Functional validation included in vitro CCK8 and Transwell assays in Huh7 cells and in vivo xenograft experiments combining the LDHA inhibitor (R)-GNE-140 with a PD-1 antibody.

RESULTS

Post-ICI, HCC cells upregulated pyruvate metabolism genes (LDHA, LDHB, LDHD) but showed decreased glycolysis, lactate buildup, reduced acetylation, and suppressed TCA cycle with AMPK activation. Key transcription factors (MYC, SP5, HLF, SREBF1) were identified. CellChat revealed enhanced SPP1-CD44 and APOA1-ABCA1 signaling. Pseudotime analysis indicated terminal hepatocyte differentiation. The pyruvate metabolism-based signature predicted prognosis effectively. Combination therapy with (R)-GNE-140 and PD-1 blockade inhibited Huh7 proliferation, migration, and xenograft tumor growth without liver or renal toxicity.

CONCLUSION

ICI therapy induces metabolic remodeling in HCC, marked by pyruvate metabolism dysregulation and lactate accumulation, contributing to resistance. Dual targeting of LDHA and PD-1 enhances antitumor efficacy, and the identified metabolic signature may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.