Single-cell analysis reveals the immune landscape of benzene-exposed patients and a distinct FCGR3B+ monocyte population
Benzene is a known environmental and occupational pollutant associated with immune dysfunction and leukemia. However, the specific immune alterations induced by chronic exposure remain poorly understood. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 16 benzene-exposed individuals (3-28 years of exposure), we identify significant changes in immune cell composition and gene expression. Notably, we observe an expansion of early-stage B cells, altered NK cell subsets, and an increase in terminally differentiated effector memory T cells, suggesting chronic inflammation and immune suppression. We also identify a novel population of proliferating FCGR3B+ monocytes, absent in healthy controls, which may contribute to benzene-induced immune dysregulation. This study provides new insights into the immune microenvironment in benzene exposure and potential therapeutic targets. Overall design: Peripheral blood was collected from benzene-exposed patients (10 mild cases, 6 moderate cases), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated for subsequent single-cell transcriptomic sequencing.