Multi-omics analysis identifies CLDN10 as a B-cell-associated prognostic biomarker in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background The prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is poor, and new biomarkers are urgently needed. Claudin 10 (CLDN10) plays an important role in various tumors, but its function in HNSC remains unclear. Methods Through bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification, the expression, prognostic value, and immunological correlation of CLDN10 in HNSC were systematically evaluated. Results CLDN10 is downregulated in human papillomavirus negative HNSC, and its low expression is significantly associated with a decreased overall survival of patients, and it is an independent prognostic factor. Functional enrichment analysis shows that CLDN10 and its co-expressed genes are mainly enriched in B-cell-related immune pathways. Further analysis indicates that the expression level of CLDN10 is strongly correlated with the degree of B-cell infiltration in HNSC. Conclusion The downregulation of CLDN10 is associated with poor prognosis in HNSC, especially in HPV-negative patients, and it has significant prognostic value. Its mechanism of action may involve the regulation of B-cell-mediated tumor immune response, providing potential targets for immunotherapy and prognosis assessment of HNSC.