Downregulation of B7-H4 suppresses tumor progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Objective This study aims to explore the correlation between B7 homolog 4 ( B7-H4 ) expression in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) tissue and prognosis, investigating its role in TSCC development for potential implications in early diagnosis and treatment decisions. Methods Immunohistochemical staining assessed B7-H4 expression in TSCC tumor and adjacent tissues. Chi-square tests analyzed the relationship between B7-H4 expression and clinical pathological features, while Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated overall survival rates. A Cox model assessed the relationship between clinical features and prognosis. Stable downregulation of B7-H4 in TSCC cell lines was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot experiments. Functional impacts were examined through proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle assays. Results B7-H4 expression was higher in TSCC tumor tissues, correlating with decreased overall survival rates. Cox regression indicated B7-H4 as an independent risk factor for prognosis in TSCC. Downregulated B7-H4 led to decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion, increased apoptosis, and cell cycle alterations in TSCC cells. Conclusions This study highlights B7-H4 as a potential immunotherapy target in TSCC, suggesting its significance in prognostic assessment and as a therapeutic avenue for intervention.