Abstract
Abstract Purpose: RIHD is a serious complication of radiotherapy and a
major contributor to non-cancer mortality. This study employs
single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology to investigate the
dynamic immune landscape following radiation-induced cardiac injury,
uncovering potential mechanisms of RIHD and providing strategies for its
prevention and treatment. Methods: We constructed a single-cell immune
atlas of the dynamic changes in cardiac injury after radiation, with a
focus on the alterations and functional shifts in immune cells. Results:
We identified nine immune cell types, totaling 24,683 leukocytes.
Macrophages accounted for the largest proportion (78.45%). Over time
following irradiation, the proportion of macrophages decreased, while
monocytes, T cells, and dendritic cells (DCs) increased. B cells and
natural killer (NK) cells showed a slight decrease on day 7 but peaked
on day 35. Neutrophils reached their highest levels on day 7. We
observed a significant increase in pro-inflammatory subpopulations on
day 7 post-irradiation, along with elevated expression of
pro-inflammatory genes. By day 35, the proportions of apoptosis- and
proliferation-related subpopulations had significantly risen, with
corresponding upregulation of apoptosis- and proliferation-related
genes.We also observed two specific subpopulations: IFN+ macrophages and
mregDCs.We identified a fibrosis-associated macrophage subpopulation:
MHCII+_Ccr2 macrophages, and found that the SPP1 pathway was
significantly expressed in this subpopulation 7 days post-irradiation.
We further hypothesize that the SPP1-CD44 pathway may be closely
associated with cardiac fibrosis. Conclusion: This study provides a
comprehensive immune atlas of the mouse heart post-irradiation,
revealing significant shifts in immune responses at different time
points.