Single-cell RNA sequencing unveils CD8+ T cell heterogeneity in the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma microenvironment: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND

The heterogeneous response to immunotherapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is largely attributable to the diverse functional states of CD8⁺ T cells within the tumor microenvironment. Although single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revolutionized cellular resolution, a systematic synthesis of this evidence to map CD8⁺ T cell heterogeneity and its clinical implications in DLBCL is currently lacking.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines and a PROSPERO-registered protocol (CRD420261282336), we conducted a qualitative systematic review (without meta-analysis) of 18 eligible scRNA-seq studies published up to September 2025. Dual reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment using a self-designed scRNA-seq checklist combined with the AMSTAR-2 tool.

RESULTS

We constructed a dynamic exhaustion trajectory atlas of CD8⁺ T cells in DLBCL, revealing a hierarchical continuum comprising multiple functionally distinct subclusters. Key findings include: ① the progenitor exhausted T cell (Tpex) subset is associated with favorable prognosis and holds therapeutic targetability, whereas the terminally exhausted (Tex-term) subset correlates with poor prognosis; ② the CXCR5⁺TCF7⁺ S1 subset predicts sensitivity to RB-CHOP chemotherapy, and CD58 pathway impairment is linked to CAR-T resistance; and ③ the recently identified CD8‑fit cells show promise as a synergistic immunotherapy target.

CONCLUSION

This review provides a comprehensive single-cell atlas of CD8⁺ T cells in DLBCL, advocating a shift toward cell‑state‑guided precision immunotherapy. The identified biomarkers facilitate pre‑treatment patient stratification and reveal novel combinatorial targets. Future multicenter studies should focus on validating these targets (e.g., CD58, CD8‑fit) and standardizing scRNA‑seq analytical frameworks to translate these findings into clinical practice.