Macrophages in Neurofibroma Malignant Progression

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is characterized by the development of benign nerve sheath tumors named plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs). In 10–15% of patients, these tumors undergo malignant transformation into aggressive malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), which are associated with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The cellular and molecular mechanisms driving this malignant progression remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective therapies. To address this gap, we performed comprehensive single cell RNA sequencing on 9 PNF and 5 MPNST clinical samples.