High expression of CD47 predicts adverse prognosis in Chinese patients and suppresses immune response in melanoma

Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) negatively regulates macrophage phagocytosis and is correlated with adverse survival of multiple cancers. In melanoma patients, especially in Chinese melanoma patients, its prognostic value is unclear. In this study, we aim to study the prognostic value of CD47 in a Chinse melanoma patient cohort and its immunomodulation roles in mouse model. 164 melanoma tissue specimens were collected. The expression of CD47 in these clinical samples was examined by immunohistochemistry staining (IHC). The correlation between CD47 expression and clinicopathological parameters was assessed by statistical analysis. Prognostic values CD47 expression were also investigated. In an animal model, effects of CD47 expression on immune infiltration were examined. CD47 expression was positively correlated with TNM stage, distant metastasis, and death of melanoma patients with the P value of 0.008, 0.018, and 0.032 respectively. High expression of CD47 was an independent prognostic marker of overall survival (HR=1.563, 95% CI: 1.069–2.285) and progression free survival (HR=1.542, 95% CI: 1.053–2.258) of Chinese melanoma patients. In conclusion, high expression of CD47 predicted poor survival in a Chinese melanoma patient cohort and impaired antitumor immune response in the animal model. Targeting CD47 might be a novel option for melanoma patients.